Star Trek RPG - Mission #3: "Some Other Side of Paradise"

"I am not upset, doctor." Kylah continues to stalk her way forward, feeling as brittle as the thinnest ice across a lake. One wrong move and the shell will break to reveal the frozen void within. "It has been a long day and I am tired. And I am embarrassed that a search party was sent looking for me because I was foolish enough not to return a hail. That is all."

"I'll just finish this off," says Rangin suddenly tapping away on his tricorder, "It's good to hear she's safe and everything looks normal again. Besides they will be coming through here shortly anyway to get to the main path to the research station. I'll probably come back with them."

"Fine" says Collins, "You coming, Delaney?" as she heads for the door.

"Right behind you, ma'am," Delaney says. He and Collins go outside, into the dark, and begin walking towards the OC3 research station.

T'Var matches her stride with Kylah but says nothing else for the moment. They don't know it, but they are a few minutes ahead of Collins and Delaney. The two walk to the top of the small hill between the resort and the research station, and take a moment to admire the brilliantly starlit night sky overhead before heading downhill. The research station is ahead of them, well-lit and just a short walk away.

Graham is still near the hotel elevator lobby, and Rangin is seated in the main lobby with his tricorder.

Tapping on his tricorder, Rangin has been waiting, his seat just in the right place to see the others outside on the grounds who have just come from the hotel. At each person's approach he's looked up, but only this time does he see the small figure of the person he's been waiting for. He darts from his chair and heads out the door before she can disappear on the other side of the hill. "Kylah?"

Kylah continues to keep her gaze downward until a familiar voice calling her name breaks through her turbulent thoughts. Her heart makes an uncomfortable lurch when she turns around and sees Rangin jogging up the hill to her. She knows she cannot ignore him and slows down, even as her mind pleads: Not now, not now, I am not ready... Looking at T'Var, she waits for the doctor to keep moving before warily turning around.

As Rangin nears Kylah and sees her more clearly thanks to the moonlight, he scowls. His first hope is that everything is fine, just like all the other thoughts people had had through the day about the Vice-Admiral, but something seems odd and Rangin can't quite put his finger on it.

Kylah looks behind Rangin, expecting to see Collins or Graham or Delaney--anyone else--in the vicinity. Somehow the realization that Rangin is alone is worse. "I--I thought you would be with the rest back at the station," she says awkwardly. "Why are you here?"

At this close distance, Rangin can see something is slightly off. She's not looking as well as when he was admiring her earlier when she appeared in that incredible dress. Tiredness, overdone it, she doesn't look the greatest, but it's been a long day.

Rangin's face wavers between his usual smile and concern. "I'd thought I would wait for you, see how you were, although I was expecting you to be with Graham and T'Var going back to the station" Rangin hesitates, wondering if he should ask the question, Is everything all right. He decides for something not so depressing instead. "How did it go?"

"Mr. Graham left almost immediately after informing me I'd caused an alarm by not yet arriving at the location he expected me, and making the grievous error of not hearing my communicator," Kylah says acidly. She does her best to meet Rangin's gaze, but it is difficult. "Dinner was fine. I did not learn much that we did not already know. And what I did learn--" Her throat is again tightening up and perilously close to choking. She can hardly bear the kind, gentlemanly concern on Rangin's face. Of course, Jan was concerned as well. No, do not think about him. Do not. "I... I will have to tell all this to Collins in ten minutes. I might as well wait until then, if you do not mind. I had better go... I am probably in enough trouble with her and Graham as it is." She gladly darts her gaze away and turns to continue her way downhill.

But Rangin follows her. "Well, Graham did give that speech on always taking care earlier, no surprise he followed up on it. I guess it makes sense to tell everyone at the same time." Rangin nods along, Kylah seems unwilling to say much more, but it makes sense to wait for Collins and the rest of the group to hear her news all at the same time. He wonders about the questions he was going to ask, from earlier on and then about the camera footage and thinks better of it. No, now is not the time, she's tired, and probably just wants to give a report and go to sleep. His questions can wait.

But there is one thing he can do, it may help, it may not, but the least he can do is offer. "One moment Kylah," he says as he transfers his phaser and communicator from his jacket to his pockets and then slips the jacket off his shoulders. "It's getting cold. May I?" He holds up the jacket by the collar offering it to her to keep her warm for the short journey.

Kylah stares at the proffered jacket. It is a gallant gesture and her heart aches that he would make it for her. But she feels even more wretched in contrast to his thoughtfulness. She does not deserve it. She betrayed him. True, they have nothing more than a friendship, but in her heart she's wanted more--and that should have been enough to keep her from making such a stupid, reckless mistake.

She cannot reject his offer without being rude. Silently she moves closer and lets the jacket fall over her shoulders. She's terrified that he'll touch her, because if he does she has no idea how she'll react. Kylah clutches the lapels herself to tighten the jacket over her arms. "Thank you," she murmurs, not trusting her voice or even able to look at him. She moves quickly away from him, almost running downhill.

"You're welcome." Rangin's voice follows her in the cool night air, unsure of what just happened. Why did she leave so abruptly? He had been about to offer her an arm in escort back to the station, but now she had already left and Rangin wonders if he did something wrong. Or is she having a guilty thought about the footage? But no, she couldn't know anything about that yet. Well, not unless Graham said something. But then, a few hours ago, she faced off against Graham and Collins, and now...now, she didn't look him in the eye.

He isn't sure what happened but it is confusing Rangin quite a bit. Probably just the long day, it had been fraught.

Picking up his tricorder, Rangin counts to sixty to give Kylah the headstart and space she seems to currently want before heading after her. After the final debrief tonight, she might be more receptive to answering questions and Rangin will be curious to find out more. Looking up at the stars above, he wishes for nothing to go wrong on this trip. Rangin sadly smiles with a shake of his head. Of course, something will go wrong, it's been doing that every couple of hours so far given the number of squabbles, paranoia and general actions of some of the team, and just now it's happened again.

Rangin sighs. He forgot how much he disliked the cold.

Graham wonders whether he can use his previous tricorder readings to determine which room Kylah had been in, in order to go up there and find out what really happened. He's less disturbed by the potential consequences of doing so than by his doubts about Kylah's honesty and intentions: as a result, he rules it out. I'd really live down to Rangin's expectations if I barged up there and dragged some guy whose only crime is being handsome out of his bed, he thinks.

He sighs and contemplates getting a drink. Fringe benefit...maybe some rich heiress will invite me up to her room. But dismisses that as well as he's sure he's pushed things with Collins as far as he can today while still being able to have a decent rapport and figure out why unit cohesion is such a mess.

He does his best to take an alternate path back to the research station in order to avoid any of the crew. Once outside, he looks up at the stars--he remembers his conversation with Bennett and wonders what she's doing at the moment. Then he proceeds to the station.

"Would you like a moment to collect yourself?" T'Var asks Kylah. "Or should we continue on to the station?"

T'Var considers placing her arm around the young ensign, but thinks better of it. The doctor can sense Kylah's raw emotional state. Something happened in that hotel room. And T'Var has a fairly good idea of what that something might be.

Kylah is moving fast enough that she's almost overtaken T'Var, despite the older woman's head start. At the Vulcan's question, Kylah shakes her head . "I do not need to collect myself, thank you," she says in a low, rock-hard voice. "I am not nervous, I am not angry, I am not sad, I am not hysterical, I am not anything that requires any attention whatsoever. I just wish to get this day over with."

She hugs the jacket closer and walks faster, glad the Vulcan can only read her thoughts if they have contact with one another. She has no intention of even brushing up against T'Var if she can help it. Without stopping further, she can now see the research station up ahead. It is hard to believe all that has happened since they were last here. Never in a million years, when they were walking out from the pristine laboratory into the beautiful but harsh sunlight, could Kylah have expected that she'd soon lose her dignity thanks to Collins's harsh words, and later lose her own control over what happens to her body.

Closing her eyes, Kylah stops in front of the door, gathers herself, and enters the station.

A young male Science ensign is there to greet Kylah. "Just a moment, please, ma'am," he says. "Let me call Lt. Palver." He does, and the research station's director responds that he'll be right down.

"I am with the Yorktown crew," Kylah says, suspecting she must look like a guest who's wandered away from the resort. "I know I am out of uniform. My name is Ensign Kylah." She stands there, awkward, and the clean, spare surroundings make her feel even filthier. Quickly she takes off Rangin's jacket, realizing that she should not have worn it in the first place. Not with another man's smell still on her. Not to mention...

The sudden thought sickens her. She bites her lip, forcing herself to stay calm. Regardless of what her teachers and parents told her about half-breed fertility, Kylah can take no chances. Somehow, she'll have to manage a visit to the resort's hospital tomorrow.

Lt. Palver enters the small lobby, sees Kylah and smiles. "Welcome back, Ens. Kylah." He says to the other officer, "It's OK, Bob. I'll take it from here." Dr. T'Var then enters by the outside door, followed shortly afterwards by Collins, Delaney, Rangin and finally Graham. "Welcome to you all," the scientist says, looking around at the group. "I hope you had a worthwhile visit to the resort...?"

"Yes, thank you. I think we each learned something," Collins says un-ironically. "Are our quarters ready? Some of my want to freshen up before we debrief each other."

"Some of your what?" Palver asks.

All right, that's it, goddammit, Graham thinks, hearing Palver's response. Do these spores make everyone on this planet ball busters, or just science division types? For all his inclination to ask Collins one-on-one what the hell she's doing, and despite any temptation to watch her twist in the wind, she's still his mission commander. He strides forward until he's face to face with Palver, backing off from an aggressive posture at the last moment since he accepts the fact that their rank differential makes going drill sergeant on a superior officer a losing proposition.

"Her egg-bearing Hortas...." he mutters while on approach, then then drastically moderates his tone to all business. He stands at attention and then shifts to parade rest and clasps his hands behind his back. "Sir, I believe the lieutenant meant her team, sir."

As he wanders back to the station, Rangin considers what he wants to do that evening. He doesn't feel like sleeping and needs to blow off some steam. He's already written up the report and other than trying to get answers out of Kylah, it's pretty blank. Then again, given Kylah's actions she looked like she just want some space and some sleep.

What else did that leave: he could beat Collins at chess, he could lose to T'Var at chess, Graham probably didn't want to speak to him right now, and he probably wanted as much space as Kylah did from him right now. As for Delaney, any technical talk would go over Rangin's head and anything biological would probably go over his.

Looking back into the distance at the resort, Rangin wonders about his earlier considerations. The nightclub, hmm, how could he clear that with Collins as being an acceptable venture. But other people, socialising, dancing, interacting, even if just for an hour or two. He skips a couple of steps to a song in his head before continuing the trudge back to the station, Rangin's mind putting together the right questions. It passes the time and as he arrives with a smile back on his face he's ready with a couple of questions. Don't ask, don't get, right.

He greets the others and Lt Palver as he arrives, sees that Kylah has his jacket firmly wrapped over her arm, and that Graham hasn't arrived yet. While waiting for Graham, Rangin starts with Kylah, approaching carefully and quietly to ask. "My apologies Kylah, I wasn't able to keep up with you, could I have my jacket back please?"

Kylah returns Rangin's jacket with a quiet "Thank you," flicking her gaze up to his face only long enough as is necessary. She waits quietly, not wanting to look at Collins either, but for once grateful that the lieutenant is suggesting a break. On the one hand, she has been dying for a chance to wash since... everything happened. On the other, she'd rather get the debriefing over with so she can take her time in the shower or bath or whatever they have. Perhaps they have some decontamination chamber I can use, she thinks darkly. That is the only way she will feel clean enough.

But then Graham suddenly advances on Lt. Palver. She hasn't been paying attention and his aggressive move startles her, causing her to step backwards, almost shrinking at the implied violence in his stance.

"Yes, my team" Collins says, only slightly embarrassed for herself, moreso for Graham's attack of Palver. "We'll reconvene in 20 minutes" With that, Collins heads for her quarters for some alone time.

Having gathered his jacket and still stood near to Kylah, he is surprised to find her shrinking backwards at Graham's actions. Then again, he's been doing it all day

Thinking that Graham has decided once again to be an idiot, albeit this time to Lieutenant Palver, Rangin's mind is fairly well made up. Debrief, see if Kylah wants to talk, and then try to get out of here. Of course Collins could pull the rug out of the entire thing just by calling for everyone to stay. But as there were only two male Ensigns, he would bet that he was going to be bunked in with Graham and that was something to avoid. Rangin was fairly certain Graham was going to snore as well.

"Debrief in 20 minutes, Sir, " he politely enquires of Collins. Just long enough for a brief shower to freshen up after the day.

Then he asks Lt Palver with a complete straight face, "Excuse me for asking, but do you happen to have any studies about the effects of Audio and Visual Stimulation on the Social Habits and Activities of those who have undergone Spore Therapy". The little voice in his head whispers to itself, Go on, you know what I'm asking. I bet every intern here has asked that question and its deliberately never been answered. Say no, go on say no. Give me a chance to convince Collins.

Long past being surprised by Collins's lack of leadership or willingness to discipline Graham--she must enjoy having an attack dog to do her dirty work--Kylah walks to Palver and says softly, "Please forgive our behavior, sir. It has been an arduous day."

She looks around, hoping for some guidance as to which way to go. Uncertain how Collins knew where their quarters are, she turns back to Palver. Before she can ask him where they are to be staying, Rangin asks the question about the spores. Kylah flushes slightly--she knows more about the social habits of spores than she would dare to admit--but waits to hear the response.

Lt. Palver's expression clouds over briefly at Graham's behavior, but he turns and says calmly to Rangin, "There has been research of that type, with various stimuli, but no particular effect was noted. Unless an adrenaline surge is triggered, those exposed to the spores behave just the same as before."

He says to Collins, "We have two double and two single guest rooms, Mr. Collins. I'll leave it to you to assign rooms to your party as you see fit. There's a conference room on the third floor you're welcome to use for your debriefing. There's also a replicator there if anyone hasn't yet had their supper, or you can go to our mess hall on the fifth floor whenever you like. Please follow Ens. Weinstein upstairs."

He nods at Kylah's remark, and clears his throat. "Mr. Graham, wait here a moment."

Science Ens. Weinstein leads all but Graham to the sixth or top floor. It is well-lit, spare and clean, just like the rest of the station. "Your room assignments, ma'am?" he asks Collins.

When the lobby is empty but for the two of them, Lt. Palver rasps, "Attention, Mr. Graham." When the Security man has come to attention, Palver stands squarely in front of him and leans close. "I don't know how they do things on the Yorktown, mister, but here on OC3, what you just did is very rude, and might be - hell, very likely would be - considered insubordination. I suspect Capt. Singh and your department chief would be displeased to learn of your behavior. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I'll take one of the singles," Collins is glad that rank does sometime have its privileges "Lt Delaney can have the other, then Doctor T'Var will share with Mr Kylah, leaving Ensigns Rangin and Graham in the other double."

"Thank you, Mr. Weinstein," Kylah murmurs. "May I ask a further question? Our uniforms were beamed back to the station earlier today. Do you know where we might find them?" She looks briefly at Collins. "Sir, you may wish to contact the ship to arrange for our night clothes to be sent over."

Rangin's night just went from bad to worse. Thanks to Graham, Palver probably didn't care about his loaded question, leaving him stuck here. And now he gets to share a room. At this rate, Graham probably snored like an elephant.

Rangin turns to Collins. "I take it camping rough is out of the question then."

Collins nods to Kylah and calls the ship to have the team's overnight bags beamed down.

Upon hearing Rangin's comment, Collins raises an eyebrow at him "Yeah, ... no. You're only sharing a room, not a bed."

"Yes, Sir," replies Rangin to Collins.

"Thank you for an image I didn't need, Sir", he mutters more quietly to himself.

T'Var is quite concerned about Kylah and her behavior. Obviously, something happened up in the hotel room to cause great emotional distress.

For now, the doctor will remain silent and watch Kylah closely. When the briefing is over, there will be time enough to find out just what is going on.

T'Var sighs. She has also noticed that Collins has not been acting quite right. The doctor will keep an eye on their mission leader as well.

"Dr. T'Var," Kylah asks, looking somewhere near the Vulcan's left shoulder. "Do you mind if I take a shower, or do you wish to take one yourself?"

"I am fine," T'Var tells Kylah. "Though I could use a snack of some kind before our briefing."

Graham returns to attention. "There's no argument to make, sir. Your perspective is entirely reasonable," he answers evenly, and, in point of fact, sincerely.

Kylah nods at T'Var's words, grateful that she can take her time in the shower. "Lt. Palver mentioned that there is a replicator in the conference room, and a mess hall upstairs. Perhaps you can get something to eat up there beforehand."

She hopes T'Var chooses the mess hall. The ability to be alone, even for a little while, would be a blessing. She also realizes for the first time that she's been feeling a dull ache of hunger for some time; of course, she ate very little at dinner except for the appetizer Jan recommended...

Kylah swiftly turns her mind away from that train of thought.

Palver looks over Graham with narrowed eyes and finally says, "I suggest you think before you act next time, Mr. Graham. Part of being a good Starfleet officer is knowing what to do, and what not to do, under different circumstances. I'll overlook what just happened, and make no report to your chain of command - assuming there is no repeat of that or any other similar behavior while you're on this planet. Do I make myself understood? If so, dismissed."

Overnight bags including clean underwear, uniforms, socks, nightclothes, toiletries etc. are beamed down from the Yorktown for each of the landing party. Each guest room has a small adjoining bathroom.

After being dismissed, Graham does a regulation pivot while at attention to take his leave, then heads up to the room. He goes into the bathroom, removes his shirt, and spends a few minutes washing his face first with very hot and then bracingly cold water.

Kylah takes her overnight bag into the bathroom and shuts the door, then locks it. Stripping out of her dress, she stares at herself in the mirror for some time. She looks tired, pale and slightly red-eyed, but otherwise there is no physical change. Not that she thought there would be. There are some red marks on her breasts, which mean nothing since she's always been easy to bruise; these are just where his lips and fingers took possession of her. But he didn't hurt her. Not that way. Not intentionally.

She throws the dress in the wastebasket, and the underwear too. Finally she steps into the shower and turns it on to full blast, as scalding hot as she can stand it. For some moments she just stands beneath the water, purposely suffering the painful heat, and then scrubs herself clean until there's almost nothing left of the soap.

When through, she gets out and dries herself off, towel-dries her hair, and again she examines her reflection. Now all of her skin is an angry, glowing red. She brushes her teeth, glad to get the taste of him out of her mouth at last, and puts on her leather knife strap, her weapon, and her underwear, uniform and boots.

At last she leaves the bathroom, dressed again as a Starfleet officer. Instead of a harlot.

She takes her communicator and phaser out of the purse and throws the bag in the trash too. Finally she is ready. A look at the chronometer shows that she took such a long shower she's minutes away from being late for the debriefing. Loosely tying her damp hair back with a clip, she leaves the room and heads to the conference room.

Kylah sees Delaney in the hallway, also headed to the conference room. He walks beside her. He's back in a regulation Starfleet Engineering red shirt, the half-stripe of a lieutenant junior grade on his cuffs, with black pants and boots. "Hey, Kylah," he says. "Long day, huh?"

There are stairs or an elevator down.

"Yes, sir," Kylah says, her voice neutral. "Very long indeed." She presses the elevator button, but then shakes her head and addresses Delaney without looking at him. "I'm sorry, do you prefer to walk....?"

Having reached the room first, without Graham in sight, Rangin looks and grabs the one furthest from the door. Memories of a space station not fresh, but still there.

Neatly folding the suit he dives through the shower more to freshen up quickly than any sense of having to clean off, its not been that physically strenuous a day, more mentally tiring. He doesn't acknowledge Graham who is doing his own thing as he gets dressed and then heads back to the bedroom. He stretches slightly then neatly puts the rest of his clothes and things away, acknowledges Graham with a nod, while picking up his tricorder with all his notes on and phaser before heading for the door.

As he gets there, he stops, takes a deep breath and turns around, "Graham, I'm going to find some coffee, did you want anything?", he politely enquires.

I've been after him all day about his attitude, hopefully Palver might have made think as well. Time to build some bridges and see if there is some hope for him after all. Rangin thinks waiting to see what the reply might be.

"No, I'll take the elevator, too," Delaney says. The two go to the third floor and find the conference room just down the hall. It's plain and undecorated, about half the size of those on the ship, but certainly big enough for the six of the landing party. The engineer offers Kylah something from the replicator.

Alone in her room, Collins sits on the bed and tries to clear her head of the day's abrasiveness. She leans forward at the hips, and drops her head, shoulders, and arms to the floor. She stays like this several minutes, listening to her heartbeat; then stands, does a few yoga stretches, changes into her uniform, and heads to the debriefing downstairs.

Kylah thanks Delaney and starts to say no, but changes her mind. "May I have some hot cocoa, please?" she says. The drink might help soothe her, even as she racks her brain to come up with something to say about tonight.

T'Var makes a quick trip to the mess hall for some refreshment -- a glazed pastry and herbal tea -- then heads to the conference room.

Graham grunts in response to Rangin's question. "Whiskey, lots of it." Then he smiles a little and shakes his head. "I'm sure you're thrilled about rooming with someone you think is a big idiot," he says while he looks for a clean tee-shirt in his kit. "Like I'm sure my daughter was always wondering how a smart girl like her wound up with such a stupid jerk of a father. It was my wife, you know--she was brilliant. In every way, I guess, except marrying me."

He pulls the shirt on, wondering what Rangin was thinking on seeing the numerous scars on his torso --probably ah ha! proof of all the times you were beating on some helpless murderer with your ribcage or your kidneys, he thinks. "Anyway, thanks for asking, I'll see you at the briefing."

Rangin shrugs at Graham's comments before sighing.

"Graham, just a few quick points. One, you've been further up the ranks than anyone here, you're not stupid and you know it. Two, self-deprecation is funny, self-pitying isn't. Three, I apologise for the comment about your daughter earlier. It was low. See you at the briefing"

Rangin turns to leave, "Oh and four, if you snore like an Elephant, I'll be back to asking Collins if I can camp rough again."

Out the door, Rangin whistles low. Nice set of scars, there's someone who's been in the business for too long. Wonder what he will think of me when he sees my latest set tonight.

Rangin heads to the debriefing room, acknowledges the others and heads straight for the replicator to get a double coffee.

Graham chuckles to himself after Rangin leaves. This guy's brutal. Smart guy though. Graham muses that it would be ideal if the science officer were smart enough to sort out time travel, so they could travel back and re-start this crappy day. But given that this is unlikely, looses up his neck and shoulders, takes a deep breath, and heads for what will surely be a deservedly painful debriefing.

Kylah sees everyone gathering around the table--she's looking down at her hands in front of her, but her peripheral vision notes the others as they enter. She is jumpy and anxious. Why are they not starting? What is Collins waiting for? The sooner they start, the sooner this ordeal will be over and she can crawl into bed.

Rangin looks round the table at the long, silent faces. All brave, bold and true, and not one of them ready to stick a hand up and start the conversation.

"Sir,", he aims in Collins' direction, "who would you like to start the debriefing."

Rangin waits, expecting Collins to jump on it and nominate him.

"Doctor T'Var," Collins decides, "would you please start?"

Graham clears his throat. "Um, if you could let me have me a second, Doc."

"I've been on a lot of landing parties, and today our unit cohesion sucked. Now before anybody starts to argue about whose fault it was or that 'I was god's gift to Starfleet but so-and-so was the problem,' I don't expect you to listen to me like the Old Wise Man from the Mountain. I'm not going to argue the point, and I'm not going to say boo about anybody else, I'm just going to put my opinion out there and speak for myself."

He stands up. "Today I made mistakes." He glances at Rangin. "I'll bet some of us disagree on which decisions were mistakes and which were right. And the fact is..." He can't help but look at Kylah. "The fact is that I'm not sure myself which calls were right or wrong." He shrugs. "Well, antagonizing Palver is for sure up for there in competition for Alpha Quadrant Preventable Stupidity of the Year Award... Anyway, aside from anything else, I didn't do the team or the ship proud today. Regardless of what anyone else did or didn't do, that's on me, and I apologize."

He looks at Collins. "And if you want to write me up for being out of line, that's OK, L-T, but it is what it is, I needed to say this." Graham sits back down. "Sorry Doc," he says to T'Var.

"Well," Collins says to Graham, "As long as you have our attention, you might as well share what useful information you've got."

Delaney leans back and looks expectantly at Graham.

Kylah warms her hands around the mug of hot cocoa which Delaney got for her, and stares into the little cloud of whipped cream swirling and melting into the liquid. When Graham suddenly speaks instead of T'Var, she rouses herself to at least listen to the security officer. He's talking about unit cohesion. She knows she should care about unit cohesion; right now she's doing all she can to keep herself cohesive, because if it were up to her she'd dissolve into the same nothingness as the whipped cream.

She feels his gaze on her at one point and, hearing him talk about bad decisions, curls her fingers more tightly around the mug. He cannot know what happened, so why is he looking at her? Since he doesn't know he can't be blaming her, and he certainly should not blame himself. Even if she had checked in every hour as he originally recommended, not a single thing would have changed. A lot can happen in an hour. A lot did happen in an hour.

But it does not matter because he will not know. None of them can. It would kill her.

Then Collins speaks, breaking into Kylah's thoughts. The mission commander doesn't seem to acknowledge anything her junior officer said. Just asks him to continue. Kylah shakes her head infinitesimally and returns her focus to the drink. Nothing has changed. Everything has changed for her, but for the others... Nothing has changed.

Graham stands back up and starts to pace. "Well...their security on the ground here is no joke. They've got good gear, and good surveillance..." he says, throwing a quick wink at Rangin. Ooh, that was low too, Graham thinks. "And they didn't give us any crap about doing a visual confirmation of the Admiral's location and status. At the same time..." He scratches his chin.

"...it's clear money talks. A 'guest' not only was able to bring a weapon on-planet, undetected, but in fact committed a misdemeanor assault in front of us and we just had to stick our thumbs up or a-- uh, it was papered over. No employee has anything bad to say, but my impression is that's more about the resort keeping any kind of incident quiet and making sure employees keep their mouths shut than anything else."

He frowns. "They accepted the Yorktown's help responding to the attempted breach on their systems--that's a good sign. But the fact that what they say is their first ever attempted breach just happened to occur while we're here--well, this morning I was worried about some two-bit hit man whacking somebody while they're on vacation here, but tonight I think they may be in halfway decent shape to deal with that. But another corporation trying to make these operators look bad, or a more sophisticated criminal outfit trying to take advantage of a planet full of blissed-out VIPs...it's a big target, and I wouldn't call it a particularly hard one."

Kylah manages to understand Graham's last few points. She frowns slightly, thinking. "But how would they know?" When she realizes her words seem out of context, she struggles to make more sense. "I mean... You seem to believe that there is a link between the would-be security breach and our arrival here, Mr. Graham. But would that not require someone to have advance knowledge that we were performing an inspection on the resort? Who would have known such a thing? Only someone within Starfleet or a staff member of the resort itself, I should imagine."

The comments take a lot out of her, and she sinks back into herself when she is through.

"Starfleet dispositions aren't classified," Delaney says, rubbing his chin. "It's not wartime. Anybody at Starbase 27 might've told anyone else that we were leaving there and coming here. For that matter, any crewmember of the Yorktown might've told a friend or family member about our visit here, and the word might've eventually reached a bad guy... or gal. But if that were so, why wouldn't they wait until we were gone before trying to hack the security system? Wouldn't they know that we'd do our best to help the resort security people?"

Rangin listens to Graham interrupt and then start the briefing. His apology appears quite genuine and its likely that he thinks that what he is doing right. Rangin is not sure what mistakes Graham thinks he has made today, but at least he got the line on self-deprecation right this time.

Collins lack of reaction to his apology certainly seems off. Maybe she's had a long day like Kylah.

After Graham starts again, Rangin catches the comment about good surveillance and shoots a dark look back at him. Play the game, not the player, its why he had apologised earlier to Graham. But he nods in confirmation to the rest of Graham's statements

After listening to the comments on the Hacking attempt, something does occur to Rangin. "I think trying to work out why someone made the attempt is an exercise in futility until we have more information. We can speculate continuously in circles building assumption upon assumption and get nowhere. Working out how is likely to give a better idea. Although the most obvious answer is not the most palatable. If the attempt was only made after the Yorktown arrived, then its likely that the attempt was made by someone on the Yorktown. Pretty unthinkable I know, but maybe there's FoulStuff fan who just wants to know what room he is in to get an autograph. Either that or Cmdr. Vargas is just testing the facility to see how they react, while we are here." And seeing how we react to it as well, Rangin leaves unsaid. "The only good thing is that it will be very easy for Security to check that particular scenario out and then they can start asking the other ships in orbit to remove them from any lines of enquiry."

T'Var listens intently as she awaits Graham's assessment of the day. She gathers her own thoughts on the matter.

"Assumptions are not what we need," T'Var says. "We need facts and then we must use those facts to make our report."

"Okay, then," Collins says after letting all that has been said so far sink in. "Do you have any facts to report, Doctor?"

"Other than the security incidents, all seems well here at the resort. The facts are what they are. We can assume something is wrong under the surface, but we just do not have the facts to support gut feelings or assumptions at this point," T'Var says with a sigh.

"So, until we get to the source of the security breach, we do nothing?" Collins would be fine with that, except something from her first mission with Yorktown crew members scratches at the back of her brain. "We need to investigate the breach further and get the facts. As for guarding the Admiral and his aide, all we need to do is stay connected to the resort's security and Mr. Hsu. Ensign Graham, that will be your function.
"Meanwhile," Collins turns towards Kylah, "Were you able to learn anything during your dinner interview with the guest, Ensign?"

Kylah doesn't know whether to laugh or sob at the question. Fortunately she is too numb to do either. She focuses on the center of the table. "I learned little that we did not already know," she says quietly. "Throughout the day the guests with whom I have spoken have emphasized how beneficial the spore treatment is. There is certainly an element of... I would not say addiction, exactly... A sense of being compelled to return for the treatment. No one I spoke with has been here only once. One man, not a wealthy person as far as I could tell, spent an entire year to save up for a return visit. He should have been saving for his retirement, as he was of an age where one might begin to contemplate such a thing. And yet instead he took his savings and poured them into WR&R.

"But I cannot blame him. The spores change everything, they make you lose perspective. Some might say it is finding perspective, but... I do not agree. Once removed from their influence one has--one seems to have a sense of loss. That nothing will ever feel as right again." She swallows painfully and continues. "I would think anyone exposed to such happiness would do almost anything to get it back. I hope the resort does extremely thorough psychological testing before allowing guests to take the treatment. A depressed person who has a brief period of happiness, only to have it wrested from her--I would not be surprised if she were to become suicidal if there were no chance of getting that sort of peace again. I believe we should follow up on past guests who did not return to find out why. Privacy or not, there must be a way to contact them."

She shifts her gaze back to the mug wrapped in her hands, trying to formulate the next words as carefully as possible. "I also am certain that the spores want to be propagated. It is how they survive. We already knew that they compelled people to introduce others to the spores, but that is not the only... the only way that they gain control over those who are exposed. It is almost a symbiotic relationship. The more subjects there are, the more potential carriers the spores have. And so there may be a--a compulsion to create new life forms--to breed. Or at least make the experience as pleasurable as possible. At least that is the impression I received from talking to the guests." Kylah feels a flush building up on her face and she quickly takes a sip of her drink to hide it. When she puts the mug down, she shakes her head and murmurs, "That is all."

Delaney says, "There's been no mention of psych screening for prospective visitors to OC3; I'm sure they'd have mentioned it if they were doing that. And are you suggesting, Kylah, that the spores act as a kind of aphrodisiac?"

"I--I do not know if that is entirely the case. I spoke with so few people, and only one seemed..." Kylah is finding it more difficult to respond. "I believe there appears to be a similar effect, yes. Removing certain inhibitions. Enhancing the physical senses." She pauses, still not looking at anyone. "At least, that is what one guest wanted to believe. Perhaps it was just an excuse. A rationale for poor judgment, for decisions the guest would not have taken without the spores' influence."

Graham listens carefully to Kylah's report, and is reassured to hear it. Well if her whole information-gathering mission was just a cover story for her...personal agenda, she's a damned good liar. She is in Communications, he thinks, but he's now convinced she was sincere about trying to do her job. Regardless of how it turned out--which he's not at all sure about.

He can't help but whip his head around toward Delaney when the engineer asks if the spores are an aphrodisiac. That would be consistent with what he and Ragin saw on the surveillance system...but bringing that up at the moment, with the whole group, would set off a real shitstorm, he thinks.

At least one of his worries has been proven wrong, but the Kylah's answer and demeanor are making him more anxious about his other concerns...

"Thank you for your reports." Collins tells those seated around the table "I think we could all do with a good night's sleep, no? In the morning, I'll talk to Mr Wilson about getting contact info from some of the guests who've only stayed once. Dismissed." As they rise, she adds "Ensign Graham, I want to talk to you."

Graham sits back down.

Kylah blinks and takes a quick look at Delaney and Rangin. Why does Collins not wish to hear their reports? For that matter, does Collins have nothing to add? Very likely not, she thinks with dull resignation.

Standing up, she puts her mug wherever the heck one puts replicated food and goes to the replicator to get a fresh hot cocoa before bed. When she passes by Collins, she has the temptation to make a request about assignments for tomorrow, but thinks better of it. The question can wait overnight.

She files out of the room with everyone except Graham.

Delaney looks quizzically at Collins, then leaves.

Once in her room, T'Var checks her shipboard comm account using the Library Computer terminal there, and finds that Dr. Lucy Anderson has, as promised, sent her an unclassified medical summary of the station's research to date. It is almost 200 pages long and very dense.

See posts 510-511.

tatataTap, tatataTap, tatataTap. Rangin's fingers drum on the table top as Collin's dismisses the team and makes no sign of actually asking his opinion.

During his travels, Rangin had come across many creatures that, if a shiny ball was rolled in front of them, they could not help but react and pounce after it. He wonders darkly if there is some of that in Collins ancestry. A shiny security puzzle had rolled in front of her and the actual task of reporting on WR&R had completely passed her by. What's the point in being a matter expert in alien biology, if indeed, no-one is going to ask your expert opinion.

Rangin is the last to leave, his face a blank mask. Watching the others, they all seem pre-occupied with their own thoughts. Outside the room before they split up, he mentions to the remainder of the group. "If anyone wants to actually talk about the real reason we are here, I'll be in the mess hall in ten. Don't feel obliged."

After that, Rangin goes to find any of the research station crew to introduce himself again, chat briefly about science and find out what they do to relax in this area.

T'Var looks at the medical summary, then frowns. She is in no mood to read through 200 pages of research at the moment. It has been a long day and the doctor is tired. Perhaps she will join Rangin in the mess hall. T'Var is curious as to just what his theories are about the real reason they are here at the resort.

The doctor ponders for a moment, then leaves the room and heads to the mess hall. For now, she will leave Kylah in peace. There will be time enough for a chat later -- if Kylah is open to speaking with T'Var about the hotel room.

Collins lets Graham stew a bit before saying "I can guess why Palver asked you to stay to talk to him. What am I going to do with you? How can you have my back if you're off risking your own?"

"Don't worry about Palver," Graham replies. "I showed that pencil neck who's boss." He pauses for just a second and shakes his head. "Kidding. Of course he told me I was out of line and I told him he was right. Which we was."

Graham stands up and start to pace again. "Look, L-T, today I let some things get to me, and affect my behavior. As if I was some kind of 22-year old hothead just out of the Academy. It's embarrassing. And it's not going to happen again."

He scowls. "As to why you should believe that--I have a very clear track record, lieutenant, that's almost as long as some people on this team have been alive. If I'm going to get myself or my superior officers or both in trouble, it is going to be something truly epic, not penny ante crap. For better and worse, you can count on that." He pauses again, wondering how to try to help her rather than wash his hands of what has started out as a shaky mission command. "And, ah, not to change the subject, but are you...feeling OK today, ma'am?"

"No." Collins admits."And since this conversation is now off the record and just between the two of us," she gives Graham a look that says if any of this gets out I will kill you, your family, and every girlfriend you've ever had "you may call me Jeremi. I'm pregnant, I'm sure you know, and the baby's father wants very much for me to have the baby, but I'm not ready to be a mother, nor do I wish to put my career on pause. And every time I think I've made a decision, something happens or someone says something and I get all confused again. And all this is apart from what the hormones are doing to me." Jeremi can feel her eyes begin to tear up. "And then I almost came to blows with that litt...uh, with Ensign Kylah. I've got to get a different bunk mate. I cannot be around her without turning into someone I don't like very much."

Rangin sees Lt. Palver in the hallway. The station's commander seems surprised to see him again so soon, and asks, "Debriefing done already?" When the xenobiologist asks him what the station's 22 researchers and support staff do to relax, he says, "Walk around the countryside, camping, go over to the resort - they let us use their facilities, it was one of Starfleet's conditions for awarding the franchise - or just hang out here. People have their own hobbies and interests, of course. We have a book club and a game night every Tuesday." He shrugs. "Most of us are just focused on our work, though."

Kylah has already started down the corridor when Rangin gives his invitation. She stops, her back to the others, and closes her eyes wearily. There is nothing she would rather do than go to sleep right now. The trouble is that it would be utterly unlike her to avoid this meeting. Not only because she is interested in what the others have to say, nor even because she wants to distance herself from Collins's incurious, disinterested behavior as a leader. But because it is... Rangin. She wants to support him. Normally she would not think twice. She cannot think of a reason to avoid his invitation that would not seem like a snub.

So, resigned, she heads to the elevator to the mess hall. She has ten minutes--perhaps she can at least get something to eat; her stomach is gnawingly hungry. Nothing attracts her and she doesn't have the energy to think of what she wants to order from the replicator.

Instead she just sits by herself at a table and waits for the others. And tries to keep her mind as blank as possible, because the alternative-- thinking about what she did only two hours ago--is unacceptable.

It is now 2100 hours on the dot.

Dr. T'Var and a lab tech from the station, a Science ensign of Cambodian descent who introduces himself as Chea Samrin, enter the mess hall just after Kylah.

"Sir, you work on a beautiful planet doing experiments on an alien life form, with a six star resort down the road that lets you use its facilities. Can I say how jealous I am and where do I sign up?" replies Rangin with a smile. He pauses before deciding on the best way to continue. "The briefing was cut short. Lieutenant Collins is speaking to Ensign Graham. Probably about the security attempt that was made on the resort earlier today. I suggested the rest of us meet up in the mess in ten minutes, now five to continue the discussion. Informally,of course."

Rangin pauses before continuing again. "Thank you for the information on the resort. If they will allow us to turn up and use the facilities, then I might go back, permission excepting. They have a good show on in the nightclub there tonight and I always enjoy meeting new people in new situations. It should be a good way to unwind after today. It's been busy, Sir."

"Actually looking at the time, I had better head off. Thank you once again." Rangin nods to Lt Palver and if he says nothing will head for the mess room.

Graham's tempted to bury his face in his hands--this just gets better and better, he thinks--but realizes that after what Collins has just disclosed to him, complaining about how harder this makes his day is probably the wrong move.

"Uh, she does have a distinctive...ah, personality," he says. "I'm probably the last person you want advice from on parenting, but if you're not ready to put the kid first, well...I know what it's like to screw up being a parent." Spouse too, he thinks, but doesn't say.

He clears his throat. "Anyway, maybe more helpfully...I don't know what the hormone thing is like, but I was taught this trick when I first started getting mission command assignments." He takes her left wrist and taps her palm with a finger. "Some folks would even write this on their hands until it became instinct: 'I-D-E-A.'"

"Every time you have to make a decision with the team, 'Invite' input on options, then 'Decide' - it's not a vote, you decide, but then you 'Explain"' the plan, and 'Ask' if there are any questions." He lets her hand go and steps back. "And if someone asks a question that can't be answered, you loop back to inviting solutions: 'Invite-Decide-Explain-Ask. I-D-E-A.'"

He shrugs. "Sounds simple but in the heat of the moment, or, uh, maybe when hormones are doing whatever they do, it's easy to forget, until after awhile it becomes second-nature. Plus it trains your team to focus on solving problems rather than arguing for their own plan, or sulking because nobody asked for their input."

"I'd offer some upbeat platitude, Lieu - ah, Jeremi." He smiles a little and shrugs again. "But I don't know any. At least I can say that if I make your job more difficult in the future, it'll only be for a good reason."

Kylah looks up and sees T'Var enter the mess. Why could it not be Delaney or Rangin? I am not up to speaking with her alone... She takes a deep breath and forces herself to socialize. "Hello again, Doctor," she says with as much pleasantness as she can muster. She can tell her eyes are lifeless but there is little she can do about that.

"Hell," Graham adds to Collins, "maybe I'll even make it easier, at least once in awhile, L-T."

"Thank you, Booker" Collins says. "Let's join the others in the mess hall and I'll put it to the test." She heads to the door and waits for Graham to join her.

"Greetings," T'Var replies. "I am most curious as to what Mr. Rangin has to say about the resort."

"Do you not know his thoughts already, doctor?" Kylah murmurs. "You and he were paired for much of the day. You must have discussed your impressions with one another."

Palver says, "You're welcome, Mr. Rangin. Good night to you," and walks off.

As Collins and Graham leave the conference room, Collins's communicator beeps. She flips up the antenna and hears, "Lt. Collins, this is Anthony Wilson. I hope you've had a good day? As you requested when you first arrived, I've arranged for you to be able to access WR&R's financial records for its OC3 operations. Now, you'll find a link in your shipboard comm account, as well as a password. I just ask that you limit access to essential Starfleet personnel, as I wouldn't want our business competitors to be reading it. I've also provided a summary of guest communications, as you requested, with personal identifiers removed. Lastly, my staff and I have asked around, and 18 guests have also agreed to speak to you about their correspondence with the company. Their names and contact information is included in my message on your account. I see it's getting a little late. Is there anything else you'll need from me tonight, Lieutenant?"

See post 456.

Collins replies "Thank you Mr. Wilson, that's great. Anything else can wait until morning." She closes the communicator and turns to Graham "Okay. Now we're getting somewhere, and I have something of interest to tell the others."

Rangin heads up to the mess hall with a minute or so to spare. Being honest with himself, he's not expecting anyone else to be there. Why would they after a long first day like the one the group just had. Pleasantly surprised to see both Kylah and Dr T'Var seated at a table, Rangin heads across to join them and takes a seat.

"Good evening to you both," Rangin greets them with a genuine smile. "I wasn't sure if anyone would actually want to talk further over the day and what to do tomorrow. I wonder if Lieutenant Delaney will turn up as well?"

Kylah tries to meet Rangin's gaze but can only do so for a few seconds before she looks down at her hands again. She had not realized how much shame she would feel being this close to him. "You are the person who has spoken the most reasonably all day," she says softly. "Of course we would wish to hear your ideas, even if the mission leader does not."

Delaney enters the mess hall and does a double-take to see the others there. He nods and smiles at Ens. Samrin who, having not been spoken to by anyone, gets a sandwich and some juice and departs. Delaney gets some coffee himself and sits down, yawning as he does so. "What is this, the debriefing, part two?"

Collins and Graham then arrive.

"Oh, I'm glad you're all here. I want to apologize" Collins says to the group before sitting down. eye. dee. ee. ay. she repeats internally. Once she sits and is sure they're all looking, well staring, at her, she says "I know I didn't give everyone a chance to report, so please. Mr Rangin?"

Graham wants another team meeting this evening about as much as he wants an appointment with a Klingon proctologist, but given the conversation he just had with Collins, it's obvious to him he ought to follow her in and try to make the best of it.

Kylah sees Collins and Graham enter the mess and immediately her heart sinks with regret. She has no desire to see either security officer, least of all the lieutenant. If she'd known this was to be an extension of the earlier meeting she would never have come.

But no, she thinks as her gaze returns to the table; that is not true. She came here to support Rangin. Hopefully he will be pleased by this, now that Collins is suddenly interested in hearing his report.

Of course, Kylah is certain Mr. Graham suggested this; not only because he has clearly taken on the I-Have-Seen-It-All mentor role, but even better proof is that Collins would never apologize or seek advice on her own.

Well, perhaps Graham's influence will be beneficial in some small way, instead of just enabling the lieutenant's bullying tendencies in addition to showing off his own. If he can teach Collins some measure of how to lead a crew, more power to him. Perhaps things will be better now.

Not everything.

Kylah swallows and bides her time until she can return to her room.

Collins doesn't see it, but Delaney glances longingly at the door, as if wishing he hadn't come after all. When she looks back at him, his expression is carefully neutral. He coughs, takes a sip of his coffee and looks at Rangin.

Rangin was just about to start when Collins and Graham wander in, sit down and she apologises before asking him to report and trying to turn what was supposed to be a general discussion into a continuation of the team debriefing. Oh, no, if she wants a meeting, she can do it on her own time and organise it herself. Judging by the looks round the table, it seemed that Rangin is not alone in his thoughts on the matter.

"One moment Sir," says Rangin gritting his teeth in remaining polite, as he gets up from the table walks across and gets a glass of water. While his back is turned, the others can't see him counting down from ten to ensure he stays calm. With glass he in hand, he turns back to the table with a smile, walks back, sits down and begins, well aware everyone is waiting on him.

"First off, thank you all for coming, " he opens in a conversational tone looking around the table, "perhaps I should explain what I meant earlier. This is the mess hall, not a conference room, so this is not a team debriefing part two, this is just a general, informal, and above all non-obligational chat. So if anyone wants to leave at anyone time because they are bored, they want to go to sleep or are getting sick of the sound of my voice, then do not feel under any compunction to remain, I'm sure whatever you have contributed will be useful."

Rangin doesn't wait for Collins to say anything before continuing. He dives on hoping he can set the tone before she decides to do anything and that she has the manners not to interrupt someone who is already speaking.

"The point of this little meeting is merely to discuss what is the best options the team can take tomorrow to help complete the goal we were assigned, namely about the WR&R contract. Each of us around the table has a variety of skills which can help to answer that question, and I don't believe we have all had the chance to use them. Remember, our report is not about the effects of the spores on people, that's what this Federation research station is for, but is WR&R living up to its end of the agreement. Now some of this we have already covered. Mr Graham has examined the security setup, but other areas we perhaps have not." Rangin looks across the table at Delaney, "Lieutenant Delaney, perhaps a survey of the technical nature of the resort to make sure that the facilities are built up to scratch, although given its nature I would only expect the highest quality of work", before looking back round the table, "Personally, I would like to ensure that the spore disposal mechanism is fit for use as well going round with one of the teams who ensure the plants are kept out of the resort to see how they do it. As this is informal, please any suggestions you have for yourselves or others should be welcomed."

Rangin looks straight across at Collins making eye contact if she will. "Sir, I will happily accept your apologies for not asking for an opinion earlier and for attempting to hijack this meeting. Of course, if you were just joking about restarting the debriefing then I apologise for that in return."

Rangin pauses to take a couple of breaths after such a long piece and takes a couple of sips of water while everyone's brain tries to digest what has just been thrown at it, before continuing.

"Now, as for what I think of the resort. I can't see anything wrong with it so far. Its a five, no make that six, star resort which is here to cater to every whim of its rich, and in some cases exceedingly rich, patrons. The staff are unfailingly polite and guarded, the security setup as mentioned earlier is pretty good, the hospital is more than adequate and the food is excellent although perhaps not varied enough for my tastes. The idea that something must be wrong behind the facade is not one I ascribe to, I think its jumping at shadows. On the other hand, I do not doubt that the recent security attempt is not something that should be ignored. All the more reason, for us to complete our report as seamlessly as possible so that if anything else does occur we are in a better position to assist."

Rangin pauses for a moment looking round trying to gauge the reactions of his team mates. Had he gone to far, perhaps not far enough, interested in continuing or had he bored them silly.

"I think I've said enough for the moment. So, as I said earlier, informal and open. Lets see what we can come up with for us to look at tomorrow."

Rangin leans back in his chair, with his glass of water, while gesturing around the table for people to begin speaking. Well, that was fun while it lasted, let's see who can ruin it first.

As she listens to his speech, Kylah is impressed by Rangin's demeanor and his insistance on keeping the get-together just as he intended it. She does fear Collins will get defensive; it would be like her to think, "well, I tried asking for input and that didn't work, so much for that experiment!" Besides, the lieutenant is the mission commander and probably has the right to take over any meeting she wants, even if it is not a good idea to do so.

Kylah is busy mulling over Rangin's determination and Collins possible reaction to it when he mentions the spores. She looks up now, feeling a bit defensive herself. When he concludes, she is unable to keep silent.

"I agree with you, we are here to determine whether to renew the company's contract and that is where our focus must lie. But--but part of that task must be to determine whether the spores are safe to use recreationally, whether the resort is justified in making the spores a treatment for just anyone who can pay for them. We could not decide that without determining how the guests behave, on the spores, how they react to the treatment, or whether the spores are addictive or detrimental in any way. Because if that were not the case, if our speaking to the guests was all for nothing--"

Kylah breaks off. She realizes her voice has grown more forced and almost pleading. The truth is, if everything that she did today was useless, then her behavior with Jan was even more degrading.

She shakes her head and gathers her thoughts. "No, I believe we were right to focus on the guests and their reactions to the spores, including whether there is any long-term effect on them, not just medically but psychologically and financially. The resort must be responsible, for if it is not, we, as Starfleet, are responsible ourselves for allowing this planet and its spores to be used in such a casual manner."

Kylah throws a quick glance at Collins before returning to stare at her folded hands on the table. Rangin has given her the perfect opportunity to make her request for tomorrow now, and she must take advantage of it. She will do anything to avoid being near guests who are taking the spore treatment. She cannot be near them, cannot risk being affected by them, again.

"Thus to answer your question, I--with Lt. Collins's permission--tomorrow I would hope to be assigned to work with the staff, and discuss their intake and follow-up procedures. As I said earlier, and as Lt. Delaney confirmed, there appears to be no psychological testing before the guests come here. I think that is a grave mistake, and I would like to talk to the staff to see if there is a way to better ensure that they are not letting just anyone have access to a mind-altering substance without some sort of medical or psychological workup beforehand, and adequate measures for assuring us that they are not letting these people just leave this--this paradise without any form of test to see how they are reacting after the treatment. Since as I found, there is this sense of emptiness once the spore influence is gone, and that could--it could leave an emotionally vulnerable person in a dangerous state. Starfleet cannot be responsible for allowing such irresponsible behavior to happen under its aegis--and continuing to award this contract to WR&R would indeed mean Starfleet is responsible."

She stops and slides her hands down to her lap. "So... so that is where I think I would be best used. With the staff," she says softly.

"Excellently put Kylah and a very good suggestion worthy of consideration. Thank you." says Rangin straight to Kylah, at the same time wondering why she is so subdued and hoping his words can lend some kind of cheer and support.

"Who would like to go next?" Rangin asks the rest of the table.

Collins listens quietly, sensing the tension her presence has caused. Rangin should be mission commander, not me. I'll be happy if I don't get demoted over this. I'll let everyone else contribute. I hope Graham is paying attention, too. Maybe I'll save what I have for the morning, after sleep and coffee.

"All valid points," T'Var says. "The impact of the spores is important to explore. The resort should have a responsibility to ensure that their treatments do not have a negative effect -- either while the guests are here or at some future time."

The doctor looks around the table. "It is also important to determine whether this resort is run properly and within the guidelines set for it."

T'Var pauses a moment to gather her thoughts. "However, I am still convinced that something is going on here that is not quite right. I cannot say for certain what that is, but I -- and forgive me for saying so -- have a gut feeling."

Graham scratches his chin after Rangin, Kylah, and T'Var speak their piece. He glances at Rangin. "Yeah, 'is R&R living up to their end of the bargain,' that's a good way to think about it.'" He looks at Kylah. "But 'did Starfleet make a bad bargain,' maybe unwittingly? That's a legit question, too." He nods, looking at T'Var. "And the fact is that personally I'm with the doctor, something about this seems too good to be true."

He shrugs. "It's your call, L-T, but maybe you can reflect on the suggestions so far, and--" he gestures across the assembled team "--we can all can sleep on it and come up with ideas to contribute about how each of us can help the team make progress on one of these three things tomorrow."

"I believe a good night's rest is an excellent idea," T'Var says, nodding at Graham. "Doctor's orders."

"There are also several more guests willing to talk to us." Collins says trying to infuse a little bit of excitement into her voice, "and financials and communications with redacted names to review. Shall we regroup after breakfast? at say, 0830?" Collins stands "Thank you all, again, for your input. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll bid you all 'good night'." Collins smiles at the group and leaves the Mess. Once outside, she quickens her step to return to her quarters. They're going to talk about me anyway. Might as well give them more time to do so.

After Collins leaves Graham says to T'Var quietly, "good suggestion, Doc," while rubbing his head, which has started to ache. Well this probably won't help the headache, he thinks, but needs to be done... He takes a deep breath, clears his thoughts, and steps closer to Kylah. Also in quiet voice, he asks "May I speak to you privately for a moment, Mr. Kylah?"

"Well it appears our erstwhile mission commander has decided to leave," as Rangin turns to Delaney. "Do you have any ideas you might like to add, Sir? I would be interested, and others might be as well, even if Lieutenant Collins has gone to think", as he sees Graham trying to get a word with Kylah.

Kylah is dully grateful for Rangin's compliments, but she is so tired she finds it difficult to pay attention to the others, especially as they do not seem to add any new ideas into the mix--certainly not anything about potential assignments. And then Collins leaves again, startling her into looking at Delaney. Does Collins consider him a rival? Why would she dismiss his input a second time? Sure enough, Rangin catches this and asks for Delaney's ideas himself.

Kylah almost jumps when Graham requests a word. Adrenaline surges through her limbs like an animal confronted by a predator, and she shifts in her chair, bracing herself by clutching the edge of the table. "Yes," she says warily, unable to think of a reason to avoid him despite the fact she is desperate to. Her mind grasping for at least a reason to delay, she adds: "But--but I wish to hear what Lt. Delaney has to say."

"Of course," Graham replies. Noticing how tense she seems he tries to lean forward so only she can hear, while also not moving his whole body any closer. "You won't need your knife, I promise," he says very softly, trying to smile a little and stay physically and mentally relaxed himself.

Nodding, Kylah cannot smile back.

"I'd heard Elasian women were deadly, but I never realized... Do you mind?" Her knife, something that is almost a part of her body, is slipped from its sheath and tossed aside to clatter on the floor. She knows she would never have used it, not under these circumstances. Her skills with the blade are just as useless a defense against what is about to happen as her inarticulate words seem to be...

Kylah inhales deeply and stares down at her fingers, bloodless as they grab the table. "Thank you," she mutters, wishing Graham would leave, wishing she were back on the ship, or better yet, in one of the many empty rooms in her home where she used to hide from everyone to get away from the noise of their minds. Except now there is nowhere to run, because the noise is in her mind, and will never leave her.

Delaney smiles sardonically, looks again at the door and says, "Well, it's nice that someone wants to hear what I have to say, even if Mr. Collins apparently doesn't." He thinks a moment. "On the engineering side of things, the structure of the resort itself, its workmanship and construction, all look sound, from what I've seen and scanned. It really does seem to be a well-built, clean, well-run facility. I'd like to look more behind the scenes, at their power plant - a standard Type 3B civilian fusion reactor, if I remember right, much like the one here at the research station - and environmental controls, waste management, and of course the spore-containment equipment, as you suggested, Mr. Rangin. But so far, I like what I've seen, and if I were asked for my recommendation right now, it would be that Starfleet renew WR&R's contract."

Collins, in her quarters, checks her shipboard comm account and finds four messages: the two Wilson mentioned; Capt. Singh, asking for a brief update on the day's activities, and Ens. Ben Cooper, asking her to call him at her earliest convenience.

"Concerning the resort, I'd agree with the recommendation as well. Of course, Mr Collins vanished so fast, neither myself nor Dr T'Var got to mention that we have been invited to go hiking tomorrow morning with some of the guests. Should be fun."

"You know, I'm not tired yet. I was going to go for a walk in the night, look up at the stars and unwind. Possibly wander back to the resort and check out the night-time entertainment just to see how WR&R handle it. Apparently the research station get to use the facilities as part of the agreement. I wonder if Mr Collins had been here, she would say no or go and do the research and report in the morning. As long as it doesn't affect anything, shouldn't be a problem." Rangin muses to the rest of the group without expecting an answer.

"If anyone wants to do likewise, the company would always be welcome."

As Delaney speaks, Kylah mentally pleads with him to take as long a time as possible--anything to delay her talk with Graham. But his thoughts are expressed quickly, and no matter how much Kylah prays, Rangin is now breaking up the meeting. And he is doing so by extending an invitation that only four hours ago Kylah would have been glad to accept.

She cannot now. Not only does she fear her reaction to being near any spore-treated guests, she is terrified of running into Jan.

"I must go to bed, or I would be happy to accompany you," she says to Rangin, or at least to Rangin's chest, because she cannot meet his gaze. "Thank you for suggesting this meeting. It was productive, and... I think you should run more of them," she finishes shyly.

She stands up and faces Graham, although again she can only look at his eyes briefly before her focus changes to an invisible line straight ahead of her. "I am going to the replicator for a hot drink to take with me to sleep. Perhaps we can talk on the way?"

Collins does a cursory review of the files Wilson has sent, deletes Cooper's message, and composes a response to the Captain. After the appropriate heading and greeting, she writes "We have found the resort to be an excellent vacation spot, although financially out of reach of most. The Admiral and his aide have settled in nicely and are enjoying themselves. Some of us have spent time with some of the guests, and we will speak with other guests tomorrow. Doctor T'Var is the only one who shares my sense of something bubbling under the surface. Graham will continue to work with Mr. Hsu on tracking down the source of the security breach, although Hsu and his staff are doing a very good job. Mr. Wilson has forwarded me the resorts financials and some guest communications which I will review with the team in the morning. Collins out." She hits send, stares at her screen a while, then composes a message to Cooper "I am well, but busy. We'll talk after the mission." Send.
She readies herself for bed, gets under the covers, and stares at the ceiling until sleep overtakes her.

Delaney yawns again. "I'm pretty tired, so thanks, Mr. Rangin, but I think I'll just turn in for the night." He finishes his coffee and leaves.

Graham walks with Kylah, takes a deep breath, and lowers his voice. "You asked to be treated as a professional. So here goes..."


A skimpy dress, red eyes, a strap askew...

Does Elizabeth wear dresses like that?

Looks upset, strap askew...


Graham ever so slightly shakes his head to clear his thoughts. Your paranoia and protectiveness issues are Not Kylah's Problem, Booker, he reminds himself.

"So to be honest, failing to prevent your side mission is one of those things I worry was a mistake. But here it is: you didn't agree, so end of story. I owe you respect for your judgment as an officer. As a peer."

He pauses a second. "To a point, uh, given the..ah, status...of the team. I sure as hell know you don't want to talk about what went down with me. Fair enough. But it looks like...well, you're not comfortable talking with anybody here. Maybe not anybody on the ship. You're not in a good place up here," he says, tapping on the side of his own head. "This is the same thing I'd tell the baddest-ass, veteran--male--commando-type who I could see was in a bad headspace. You can't deal with it alone."

"Look, as you might have guessed, I've gotten to know a few shrinks, er, psychologists in my career. I'm sure I could connect you to somebody discreet, on the Q-T, via subspace. Anyway..." he spreads his hands. "If I were your superior officer I'd make talking to somebody an order. But I'm not, so it's just...a suggestion. So you can tell me to shove it if you want. Probably that's what you're waiting to do as soon as I shut up. Or you can just politely ignore it. But if not...well, let me know." He nods and starts to back away.





ETA: Changed reference to "Counselors," as that's a ST:TNG term.

While Graham speaks, Kylah stands and stares at the hot chocolate drink in its mug, watching the steam fog up the metal sides of the replicator. Once he is done and begins to move away, she says quietly: "Mr. Graham. I... I do not know what you think happened, what 'went down' during my interview. Nothing happened. Nothing for which I am not wholly responsible. Before I left for dinner I was spoken to by--by someone, and the things that were said tore me apart. So perhaps I was in a bad 'headspace', as you call it, and I should not have gone in that frame of mind. But I did, and the choices I made were mine alone." Except he would not let me leave, I asked him to release me, to help me, but he did not...

Kylah closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again. "I regret that I did not learn more that was useful, and I certainly regret making you worried for me, as you clearly were. And still are." She turns her head to glance at him before returning to face the replicator. "You are right that I have no one to talk to. My mission leader despises me, the doctor thinks I am a liability and can ruin my career if I make a wrong move, and the one person I consider a friend would be rightly disgusted with me if I told him--" She cuts herself off, angry that she has even said this much. "But it does not matter, for there is nothing to tell. Nothing I can tell, for many reasons. Not even to a counselor. Some secrets are too dangerous to share. You must know that." Kylah looks at Graham and this time holds the look. "I can tell you know that. Do you not?"

Graham flinches visibly as Kylah answers. "Nothing for which I am not wholly responsible," she said. He wants to grab her shoulders and shake her: that's the goddamned point, 'things for which I am wholly responsible' are why I crawled into a bottle and volunteered for suicide missions for years!, he thinks. Why I still plan to... He stops his line of thought short. Well, maybe some secrets are too dangerous to tell.

Graham's mouth has gone bone dry and his shoulders slump a little. He looks off into nowhere in particular. "Some secrets are very, very dangerous, Kylah," he rasps. "Whether they're more dangerous in being held told, or in kept--" he turns back to Kylah and shakes his head. "Well, that may not always be as obvious as it first seems."

He sighs and turns abruptly. "Hey Rangin, this is a test of your honesty. You said 'company would be welcome,' as if you were talking to everybody. True or false?"

When she hears Graham address Rangin, Kylah grabs the mug of hot chocolate and swivels around, taking the opportunity to escape from the mess hall before anyone else can stop her. The drink spills a bit onto her fingers, burning her, but she doesn't care. She has no idea if T'Var will take Rangin up on his invitation, although it seems unlikely, but Kylah dearly hopes she does.

In the room at last, Kylah sits on her bed for a while, holding her mug in both hands, and sips until the comforting heat and sweetness are gone. She gets into her yellow silk nightgown, brushes her teeth, and lies in bed, eyes wide open, no intention of sleeping. Her gaze is focused on the bathroom. The longer she lies there, the more agitated she gets. Finally she pushes herself out of bed and walks slowly into the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind her.

Lifting her nightgown, she pulls out her knife and stares at it for a long while. She sits on the floor. She reaches into the wastebasket for the black dress. Finally, she slashes the gown with methodic stabs until it is in shreds and there is nothing recognizable, nothing identifiable, nothing that will remind her of its existence.

"Thank you Kylah, sleep well", Rangin says softly as she gets up from the table. He sighs as she wanders off to the replicator, talking to Graham on the way, wondering what has upset or subdued her so.

With the Doctor deep in thought alongside, Rangin waits to see what plays out between Kylah and Graham, watching them silently while finishing off his glass of water. He wishes he could hear what is being said, but it would be wrong to intrude.

As Graham asks about heading out, Rangin sees Kylah move quickly for the door as if finally released from something. His eyes follow her to the door before snapping back to Graham.

"True. Out of hours truce. No mission talk, couple of hours R&R to unwind and back before midnight. You're on." Rangin stands up and looks over at Graham who seems older and more furrowed than usual. Perhaps he is as worried about Kylah as Rangin.

Rangin turns to Doctor T'Var. "Sir, if you would like to join us, or more likely chaperone us, we'll be in the Starfire Nightclub. Being sensible and hoping that nothing exciting happens."

"Ready when you are." he addresses back to Graham as he heads for the door. Rangin is ready to unwind. Let the people know on the door where they will be and when they will return, walk across and spend a couple of hours relaxing.

"I have never experienced a nightclub. If I would not be intruding, I would like to join you," T'Var replies.

Rangin looks back at the Doctor with a smile and replies. "Trust me Sir, this will not be experiencing a nightclub, more a gentle introduction and your company would be most welcome. Besides, you get to see how those on spore therapy respond to mass entertainment. Consider it a scientific expedition if you wish."

and to no-one in particular, Rangin wonders, "I hope there is still dancing going on there and not just a floorshow. That would take all the fun out of it."

"Yes, a scientific study," T'Var says with a smile. "The experience should be most interesting -- with or without dancing."

Graham sorely wants to put a fork in this day, but would also like a drink. And if Rangin's not going to hassle me about the mission, he thinks, T'Var isn't likely to to create any more melodrama. Unless I bring up Kylah, maybe... He's uncertain if that would be wise or, if it were, if he's up to it.

Graham follows along. "Heh. Off hours indeed - then first round's on me," he says addressing both of his colleagues.

"A round of what?" T'Var asks.

"Hm?" Graham replies, turning to T'Var. He smiles. "Of drinks, doc. Surely determining what sort of libations are available at a six-star resort is a worthy, ah, scientific inquiry too..."

Mentioning the fact that they are at a six-star resort makes Graham realize he's probably under-dressed for an OC3 nightclub. "Uh, I'd better throw something on over this t-shirt," he says. "I'll catch up with on the path in just a minute."

He hurries to his room to put on his uniform shirt (and then catch up with his colleagues).

"We will be walking slowly over, catch us up then. We'll also let the people at the main entrance know what we are up to, just so we don't get locked out." Rangin tells Graham before turning to Dr T'Var.

"Coming Doctor. Tell me, do you dance at all?"

Dr. T'Var smiles and says nothing.

The three of you meet up in the lobby of the research station. There's no one at the reception desk, but an updated desktop display explains that members of the Yorktown landing party will be readmitted with thumbprints at that exterior door if they venture outside, just as station staff are. It is, of course, a short walk over the hill and back to the resort. Graham thinks he spots the gleam of the starship high above in its standard orbit, and he points it out to the others.

You pass through the main lobby again and find the Starfire nightclub a few hundred meters down another hallway. The club is gleaming and modern, dimly-lit and intimate. Most of the seats around the two dozen or so small, candle-lit tables are occupied, but the maitre'd's face lights up when he sees you in Starfleet uniform, and you're ushered to a table at once. There is a great variety to the attire of the guests, from formal to very casual, but you are the only ones in uniform.

A six-piece ensemble is playing to the right of the stage. The Spican juggling troupe about whom Rangin had earlier read, five zany guys in loudly polka-dotted costumes, are apparently just finishing their act, which is pretty funny. A minute or so after they leave the stage, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde Human woman in a slinky, gleaming silver dress comes out and, after bowing to the clientele's warm applause, begins to sing. None of you recognize the piece - a smoky ballad, by its tone - or the language, but she sings just as good as she looks.

Several couples take to the dance floor. A waiter comes up and asks for your orders.

Graham leans back in his chair and stretches his neck and shoulders while he takes in the...scenery. And on my way to Starbase 27 I was sure I was headed for a crap assignment, he thinks. Even with all the ups and downs of the past day, this does not suck.

"I meant it when I said the first drink was on me, friends--or, ah, whatevers," he adds, looking at Rangin. "As for me," he says to the waiter, "my kin have been drinking whisky for 800 years. I am sure you must have something to rival the best of what generations upon generations have consumed with gusto. Neat, of course." After a second's pause but before the waiter can turn to anyone else, Graham adds, "Uh, but, ah, if you could keep the cost to two-digits that would be appreciated."

He closes his eyes briefly to appreciate the music, and for a moment he remembers the feeling of Bennett taking his arm as if she were present now. He's a little surprised that the very first thing that comes to mind is that he'd like to ask her what she thinks about using (or not using) the spores. He hopes she'd be as skeptical as he is about them.

The waiter says, "We have about two dozen different whiskeys, sir. In that price range, may I suggest Jim Beam Premium Gold, New Laphroaig Islay Single Malt or Sotolosk Private Reserve?"

Graham can't help but smile. "Oh it has to be the Islay." He nudges T'Var with his elbow. "As a doctor, you ought to try it..to ah, assess it's medicinal properties."

As they wander into the Starfire, Rangin thinks to himself that this was definitely one of his better ideas, although he wished that Kylah had not been so tired as she would probably have enjoyed this.

As he sits down, Rangin soaks in the ambience feeling more relaxed already. The general hubbub of people speaking in low tones, the whispered conversations, the interactions, and the stresses of having to only deal with mission and the team start to wash away. Here he can put aside work for a couple of hours, relax, and enjoy life.

Rangin slowly lets his gaze wander round the club moving from table to table while the Spicans are finishing off. He wonders if he will see any of todays intake, especially the Vice-Admiral...no, he's not here to work. If the Vice-Admiral was here, he would be here to enjoy the show just as much as Rangin would. No work, he reminds himself again, just lean back and let the show flow over.

As the waiter comes over and asks for their drinks order Rangin lets Graham start.

Once Graham has chosen, Rangin chips in. "I'll pass on the whisky thanks, though I agree with the recommendation, but I tend to do terrible things to it, like add other liquids to disguise the taste. Dreadful habit." Addressing the waiter, Rangin continues, "I'll have a Cordas Pale Ale if you have any or the Terran equivalent if you don't."

"A Cordas Pale Ale, very good, sir," the waiter says, nodding. He takes Graham's and T'Var's orders, too, and moves off.

The singer is just beginning a slow love song in what Graham recognizes to be the Orion Common tongue when a tall, well-dressed young man comes over to the table. Rangin knows him at once. "I'm Jan Švehla," he says. "I had dinner with one of your colleagues, Ens. Kylah, earlier this evening. She... didn't seem happy when I last saw her. Is she all right?"

It's him goes the voice in Rangin's head. Better say something before Graham does something silly.

"Please take a seat Jan, you don't mind if I call you Jan do you. This is Dr T'Var, Ens. Booker Graham, I'm Ens. Velir Rangin. I actually saw you having dinner with Ens. Kylah earlier on while I was looking for a friend." Rangin puts on his charming, relaxed and inviting voice. "You seemed to be having a good time, although admittedly later on, she did seem a little subdued. Although part of that, I believe, was because she missed a communicator call. She did tell us about the evening though, did you enjoy it?"

Rangin clenches a fist under the table. It was half truth, Kylah had said nothing about her dinner, only that she had learned nothing new, But the answer to the question about what happened was right opposite him, if only he could unlock carefully without fuss.

The Czech businessman pauses for just a moment and then takes a seat. "Thank you. Yes, I had a good time and enjoyed her company very much. She's a charming young woman. By the time she left me, I regret to say, she seemed upset. She didn't want to talk about it, though, and I just wanted to make sure she was all right. Will she be here tonight?"

"Yes she is indeed quite charming. Hmm, I wonder." Rangin pauses for a moment, "She mentioned your dinner, then a walk in the gardens, then your hotel room."

Rangin mentally ticks off the places he knows she has been, the dinner where he saw her, the video feed from the gardens, the last place where she didn't answer her communicator.

Rangin fixes Jan with a slightly stern look. "I hesitate to ask what could have occurred in your hotel room which could have upset her. Forgive me, that implies all sorts of things.", he follows with a shake of the head. "Then again as her friend, as we all are around this table, we only want to ensure she is happy at least. What do you think happened that might have caused it?" He looks across earnestly at Jan, nodding at him as if he is to start filling in the gaps.

Rangin looks back at him waiting to see his reaction. Those under spore effect have been open, friendly and truthful when it comes to being happy. What emotion would cross Jan's face. Rangin also avoids answering Jan's final questions because if he does, he is likely to leave when he learns she is not coming and only by keeping him talking might they get an answer.

He looks uncomfortable. "We did go back to my room, and... well, I'd rather not say. I don't wish to say anything that might be misconstrued, or that might be seen as damaging to her reputation. Or mine, for that matter, as we are in mixed company." He nods politely to Dr. T'Var. "But I am a little worried about her, given her mood, her demeanor, when we parted. Did she seem all right when you last saw her? And will she be coming here tonight?"

Rangin freezes as the horrible possibility of what might have occurred, finally occurs to him. He tries to dismiss it, perhaps this Jan just made a very clumsy pass at Kylah, surely she wouldn't...no he didn't really want to think about the level of unprofessionalism that would entail. Surely Kylah was better than that.

But Jan was being evasive, worried about reputation, hers and his. He clenched his fist under the table again, trying to maintain some calm.

"I would not worry about the mixed company, Dr T'Var has probably seen and done more than Ens. Graham and I put together." Rangin smiles back at him.

Rangin pauses wondering if either of the other two had any way to continue the conversation.

Well I'll be damned, Graham thinks as Jan approaches their table. He glances at T'Var to see if she has any reaction, but it's Rangin who replies with alacrity to the guy. He probably thinks I have thumbscrews hidden in my boot and can't wait to use them.

Graham leans back and smiles amiably when Rangin introduces him. Let's see how well I can imitate somebody on spores, he thinks.

He listens to Rangin's fairly impressive line of inquiry and Jan's answer.

Despite the smile and relaxed posture, almost by instinct he looks carefully for any sign of scratches on the man's face or abrasions on his hands--although he considers both unlikely based on his interactions with Kylah.

Well, time for a little nudge.

"Who knows if she'll be here or not?," Graham says, shrugging expressively. "Young women can be so mercurial, unable to make up their minds..." He shakes his head as if sympathizing for all the put-upon men of the galaxy like himself and Jan. "Saying one thing while meaning another, it can be quite trying, don't you agree?"

Švehla looks at Graham, frowns and says, "I suppose, although in my experience men are just as likely as women to say one thing and mean another. Being mercurial, as you put it, doesn't depend on gender."

Graham sees no marks or signs of a struggle on him.

"Well," Graham says, smiling again. "I'm sure you're being too kind to our little ensign." He leans forward, glancing at Rangin and then Jan. "She does look good in a cocktail dress, though," he says letting a little ribaldry creep into his voice. "Let us buy you a drink," he adds to Jan.

"Thank you, but no," Švehla says, standing to go. "I've intruded long enough. Please give my best to Ens. Kylah. Perhaps I'll see her, and you, tomorrow."

T'Var takes a sip of her whiskey, then frowns. "Most distasteful," she says. "I think a glass of white wine might suit me better."

The doctor listens carefully to Graham and Rangin as they speak with Jan. If something of a sexual nature -- with or without Kylah's consent -- happened between them, did the spores influence Jan's actions? And could Kylah have possibly been influenced by them as well?

"Or perhaps the spores can cause someone to say -- or do -- things they would not normally do," T'Var says.

Rangin nods "Just to re-affirm that yours and her reputation are perfectly safe, but just one thing, are there any precautions that Ens. Kylah should take as a result of nothing happening. If so, perhaps you would like to talk to the Doctor here in complete confidence while Mr Graham and I wander across to the bar."

Please say no, please just laugh, get up and walk from the table. Rangin thinks. Rangin slowly begins to rise from the table and begins to offer a hand across to Jan to bid him farewell.

Graham's disappointed he couldn't provoke a reaction--of one kind or another--from Jan, but almost bursts out laughing at Rangin's gambit.

There's something to be said for not bullshitting around, he thinks approvingly.

He stands, nods, and starts to move toward the bar, keeping an eye on Rangin, Jan, and T'Var out of the corner of his eye.

He wonders whether Rangin knows about T'Var and Kylah...if so, the guy has no grounds to be calling me the sadist, he muses.

Švehla looks appalled, and doesn't take Rangin's hand. He says stiffly, "Thank you for your concern; my apologies for bothering you. Good night." He turns on his heel and returns to his table.

Rangin crumples to the table suddenly aware of what he just asked, to Jan and more importantly about Kylah. His words about trusting her to be her own person earlier on and he had just walked all over it. He couldn't even say he had done it for the right reasons. The right reasons were to have never asked in the first place. How could he possibly look Kylah in the face again having just done something that stupid and untrusting of her. What had he been thinking?

The uniform he was wearing felt hot and uncomfortable, he felt unworthy of wearing it. He certainly hadn't held to any of its ideals, the ideals he was trying to live his life by. The ideals that were currently helping Coridan and he was trying to represent. Gone. All gone in a moments thoughtlessness.

Turning to Doctor T'Var, "Sir, when Graham returns, thank him for the drink, but I no longer feel thirsty."

He stands unsteadily, takes a deep breath and crosses to Jan's table. Regardless of the looks he is getting, he walks up and stands next to him. "Mr Švehla, I apologise for my words, they were uncalled for. I am deeply sorry to have offended you and I should not have inquired what passed between Ens. Kylah and yourself. It is your business and your business alone. Once again, I humbly apologise. Good Night."

He turns to leave knowing that no apology is really ever going to make up for what he just did and if no-one stops him he will leave the club for a very uncomfortable night's sleep.

Graham, by design, was lingering close enough to hear the exchange at the table. Well, the guy's not a sociopath, he thinks. He lingers a bit, intending to give Jan some time to move away before he returns to the table, when he notices Rangin looking positively ill all of a sudden.

He hangs back, watching Rangin stagger around, and then returns to the Doctor, avoiding getting in Rangin's way.

"Well, ah, sorry you didn't like the whiskey, Doc. Perhaps we should head back before we do any more damage?" He scratches his cheek and clears his throat. "Um, are you...are you OK with all of this?" Graham asks T'Var.

Švehla is clearly surprised to see Rangin again and seems about to say something, but instead simply nods. He watches the xenobiologist walk all the way out the door.

The singer launches into her next song, the nostalgic "That Time on Deneva."

Kylah sits on the edge of the bed, absently running her fingers through her long, damp curls to untangle them.

A half-hour ago, after she lay in bed for some time, the memories of another bed grew too insistent, too intrusive. She almost leapt from the covers and went straight to the bathroom, where she took another shower. When she got out and T'Var still wasn't in the room, Kylah realized the Vulcan actually must have gone out with Rangin and Graham. Her relief at the time was palpable.

Now Kylah wishes T'Var were here after all. She would like to ask for something to help her sleep. It isn't likely she'll get any rest without some intervention, because every time she closes her eyes--or even when she doesn't--her mind, and her body, remembers all too well what she did.

So many years of protecting herself from Aldaan, so many years of avoiding other men's advances, all thrown away because she was weak and vulnerable and stupid enough to think she could open herself up to the happiness of the spores without any consequences.

Her stomach curdles with nausea and self-loathing. She stands up, holding her arms across her chest, and paces the room. Desperate for something to keep her occupied, she goes to the desk and sits down. She expects nothing but perhaps she can write someone. Perhaps her brother or sister--neither of them are close to her, but they are kin, of a sort. The sad truth is, the person closest to her was not kin at all.

Of course--I shall write Reena! Her family's former head housemistress--forcibly retired now, but she's still someone Kylah thinks of fondly. The woman, who was in charge of the running of the household and servants, spent more time with Kylah than Kylah's own parents. Even after Aldaan fired her from the household, Reena promised Kylah she'd always be there for her.

Yes, it's been too long; Kylah would very much like to hear from Reena. She cannot reveal much about her own life--it has become too shameful--but just hearing from Reena would be a comfort. Kylah taps the terminal panel to access her shipboard comm account.

"Computer, identify Kylah, Ensign, Communications, USS Yorktown," she says.

The research station's computer whirrs for a moment. "Identity confirmed."

"Access USS Yorktown ship's computer via secure subspace link. Encryption pattern Gamma Three, under my password." Can't be too careful, she thinks. Or can you? Wonderful. Now I can add paranoia to my other failings. She firmly tells herself to stop it.

"Working." More whirring, then a beep. "Link established. Encryption enabled." Its voice is female but different from that of the ship - younger, somehow. "Please state password."

She says it, and then, "Display messages."

There are three. Two are from Lt. Thalen, a routine departmental memo about watch changes for the next two weeks - hers is unaffected - and the other a personal message, hoping that the mission is going well. She winces a little, but knows it was nice of him to send. The last is also a personal message, this one sent through the resort's comm system half an hour earlier. It's from Jan. She takes a deep breath and opens it, reading:

My dear Kylah: I enjoyed our time together and was glad to get to know you a little better, but obviously you were upset when you left. I must have moved too fast for you - for us - and I apologize. Please let me know if you're all right now, and tell me if there's anything I can do to make it up to you. As I said earlier, I would hate to part on bad terms. Indeed, I think I would hate to part at all. I hope very much to hear back from you. With best wishes, JAN.

Kylah stares at the words on her screen long enough for the words to sink in. Then some animal instinct sends her up from her chair so quickly it tips backwards. She stabs wildly at the keyboard to turn off the terminal, then hugs herself and backs away.

Jan's message was perfectly polite, gentlemanly, even gallant; but Kylah feels as if he were in the room now, advancing on her. She glances at the door, almost expecting it to whoosh open to reveal him. Do not be foolish. He is not a predator. He will not come after me. It was my fault, not his.

Kylah slowly reaches down to lift the chair back to its normal position. She stares at the computer again, confirming that it's off. What will she do? Must she write him? If I do not, he will write again. Or seek me out. The thought of running into him at the resort, possibly with her crewmates, fills her with dread. Then again, it might be worse to see him alone.

She backs away again until she bumps into the bed, where she sits down, now cold. She will never sleep tonight. Kylah glances over at T'Var's neat overnight bag. Perhaps she has something I can... No, I would not know how. She suspects there's little likelihood of T'Var having left her hypospray here anyway. There might be someone in the laboratory downstairs. They must have some sort of sleep aid.

Kylah rises to her feet again and removes her nightgown to put her uniform back on. Biting her lip, she goes to the door and hesitates. She is actually afraid to leave the room. Coward, she thinks angrily, and walks through the opening door into the hallway.

The hallway is empty, the lights dimmed for the night. A small directory by the elevator indicates that the Infirmary is on the fourth floor.

Kylah takes the elevator to the fourth floor to find the infirmary. The thought runs through her mind, as she enters, that while she's here she could take care of the other matter weighing on her--ensuring that her terrible mistake has no lasting consequences. No. Not in a Starfleet infirmary. Who knows what records they keep?

She hopes to find someone on duty; whoever is there, she will ask for something to help her insomnia.

Rangin trudges his way back to the Research station, lost in thought of what he is going to tell Kylah.

When he arrives he thumbs for the lift to take him back to the sleeping quarters and leans back, guilt written large across his face.

As it turns up, he considers what he should do, take her aside first thing in the morning and apologise. It may lose him his friend, but under the circumstances what else can he do. The thought turns his stomach, and he places one hand over his mouth to prevent him from throwing up. His actions taking its toll on him.

Rangin decides to get something from the infirmary to settle his stomach.

While waiting at the entrance, Kylah hears the elevator down the hall open and footsteps growing louder. Perhaps this is the staffer returning to duty. She turns and sees Rangin approaching. Her mouth parts in surprise and she steps back unconsciously.

"Velir," she says awkwardly, searching his face. "What--what are you doing here? I did not expect... I thought you were at the nightclub. Is something wrong?"

Lost in thought he and wandering down the corridor to the infirmary, Rangin does not see Kylah until he is close.

"Kylah..." The colour drains from Rangin's face as all his thoughts about the morning and the best way to handle the matter evaporate in front of his eyes. He looks across and sees her bewilderment and cannot take her gaze.

He takes a deep breath, not looking directly at her and steps forward. "Hello Kylah, I need to speak to you...to apologise...for..." his voice tails off unsure of how to continue.

Kylah is very confused. He seems genuinely sick, with such pale skin and glassy eyes, which explains his appearance at the infirmary; but then he mentions needing to apologize to her... Did he know she was here?

If she did not feel so revolting herself--despite the two showers, despite the change of clothes, she cannot get the weight and scent of Jan to leave her senses--she would go to him at once. Instead she just stands there like a statue, arms folded across her chest as if holding herself together. "For what? What could you possibly... Velir, you look ill. Please, do you need to sit down?"

Rangin takes a deep gulp trying to stop the bile from rising in his throat. Kylah's concern for him only compounding the guilt he is feeling.

He pulls himself straight, takes a deep breath and tries to look her in the eye. I may as well get this over with now, he thinks.

"Ok, I'm fine. Please let me say this. T'var, Graham and I went to the nightclub. While we were there,we were approached by Jan Svelha, who was concerned that your meeting had not ended on good terms. I...I asked some questions of him, trying to find out what had gone on between you and him. I went too far. The questions were more personal than I had any right to ask and for that I am sorry."

He pauses taking a a deep breath.

The world seems to stop when Velir Rangin mentions Jan's name, and Kylah's face burns with the blood rushing to it. She shakes her head, tiny shakes of disbelief, and does not stop even as she continues listening to listen to what Velir is saying.

"No," she says almost inaudibly, and takes another step backwards. "No, you--you are not telling me the truth. You would not. You... why would you... you had no right." Anger mingles with shame and horror, and she has nowhere to go with these feelings except turn them against him. "Why would you talk to him? You had no right!"

Rangin stands where he is, not following her backwards but able to see the shock on her face.

"He approached the table we were sat at. We didn't go to him, he asked us about you." Rangin's face falls knowing that every word will hurt her more. "But it doesn't excuse asking about you and him. You're correct, I had no right at all. What happened between you and him is your business and your business alone.I should have trusted you to make your own decisions. What I did was wrong. I am sorry. I won't do it again. "

Velir looks so contrite and his words are clearly genuine, but Kylah can hardly hear them. She only now digests the fact that this conversation seems to have included not only Velir--mortifying enough--but Graham and T'Var as well. Her knees are weak and the air is too close. She realizes that the infirmary is not the place for this conversation, if there is anything more to say--what can there be to say? Her privacy has been shattered in front of nearly the entire team. The only thing that could be worse would be if Collins were there as well.

She stumbles past Velir into the corridor, forgetting the reason she went to the infirmary in the first place. Once she's outside, she leans against the wall, still holding herself tightly, and spits out: "And--and did he brag? Does Mr. Graham now think Ferguson was right all along? Did T'Var say I am too unstable and must be removed from the mission?" She feels tears stinging her eyes but she does not let them fall. "And what about you? What do you think of me now?"

Rangin can tell the words hurt and he's the one doing it. Again. With Graham earlier, it had been unfair but possibly earned. With Kylah, he was totally responsible. The knot in Rangin's stomach tightens harder as he realises further the impact his mistake has made.

As Kylah heads out into the corridor, he follows her wondering where she is going only to see her against the wall. He dare not come closer, his presence would surely only make things worse. Then he hears her questions and replies. "He...Jan said nothing, he didn't answer. Whatever happened is still between you and him. I...I cannot speak for the others, what they think, but they said nothing to me."

Rangin leans back against the wall and looks up at the ceiling, "And to me, Kylah, you are my friend, one who I have hurt badly. Someone I respect and someone I care for. Whatever happens, has happened, I will stand by you, as you have done for me before. I only hope I can earn your trust again."

Velir's words make no sense. Kylah stares at him, trying to gather her thoughts and calm herself enough to understand what he's saying. If Jan said nothing, why is Velir apologizing?

His last comment stings her. Trust. He thinks she cannot trust him. When it is Kylah who has betrayed him--their friendship, as he calls it. And now she has inadvertently revealed more about tonight than he already knew. She looks down, trying desperately not to give away more of her feelings. "But why did you ask him such questions? You are a careful, circumspect man. You are not Graham, who sees the worst in everyone. What made you ask about--about him and me?"

Rangin looks back down at the floor, avoiding Kylah's gaze and his voice drops "Because I was worried. Since you returned from your meeting with him, you haven't...haven't...I don't know how to say it. I thought something was wrong and was trying to find out what it was. Why you seemed so subdued, why you headed off with my jacket. I thought something had happened and I...didn't know what else I could do."

Rangin looks back across at Kylah and sees her looking at the floor as well. "I was stupid. When he came across to ask about you, I thought I could get an answer out of him as to what had made you unhappy from your meeting. Something he had done. Anything. I thought I could help." Rangin shakes his head acknowledging his earlier. "It was not help, but interference in your business, and most certainly not mine. I should not have asked, or done anything. You are more than capable of taking care of your own affairs and even if you had needed help, you would have asked."

Kylah shakes her head again. "You know little of me if you think I would seek help," she says quietly. "Especially from someone I admire as much as you. I could not bear to see the same contempt in your eyes that I see from Collins, or from myself when I look in the mirror. I wish I were the person you speak of, Velir. She, perhaps, is worthy of your friendship and concern. I do nothing but disappoint myself and others." She looks up at Velir, at his kind, gentle eyes. "I do not deserve your respect. If you knew how stupid I was, how foolish..."

She is perilously close to crying. "You apologized to me before. But I must apologize to you. I care about you, more than--more than anyone. You cannot know how sorry I am to have behaved in a way you would revile. I am everything Collins said of me today. Insecure, weak... I went to dinner wishing to prove her wrong, but all I did was confirm her judgment." Kylah turns away. "I must go. I cannot bear to say more. Except--except that the worst you are thinking is likely true. I am sorry. It is my fault, not--not his. It was beyond my control. I am sorry," she repeats, and walks back to the elevator, hoping to reach it before she breaks down completely.

Rangin is stunned. She cares for him...more than anyone...he had thought that she considered him just a friend, but this. Kylah had confirmed his worst fears, that she did...did...but did it truly matter whether she did or not. She was his friend, whether she knew it or not.

"Stop." Rangin's voice is hoarse but firm. "Please. I... I do not and cannot revile you for your actions, even if they were as bad as you say they were. You have no need to apologise to me of all people. You are wrong, you do deserve my respect, for the many things you have done, that we have done together. " He walks to beside Kylah as she heads for the elevator.

Unable to relax, though the knot in Rangin's stomach had begun to fade away, he could feel a tightness across his chest and his lungs began to burn slightly.

"And if I only know so very little about you..." Rangin offers his hand in Kylah's eyeline as she looks down, not to shake, but to hold, "...I would like to know more," his voice cracking as he stands and hopes.

Staring down at his proffered hand, Kylah is stunned into silence. Can he really believe her worthy of respect? He must not have thought this through. He must not understand. How can he? She who has done nothing but keep secrets her entire life--not just keep secrets, but lie and betray the Federation for her uncle and now this disgraceful behavior with Jan. Would he want to hold the hand of such a person?

Velir Rangin is everything she wishes to be but cannot hope to aspire to. He is honorable. That is the best word to describe him. He never acts in a way unbecoming to his uniform. Even without the Starfleet oath, he would have this same honor. Velir is true to his convictions and speaks his mind forthrightly, and does so in a way that makes those around him pay attention.

But if he is this forthright, perhaps he truly does care. He would not lie. Kylah wants desperately to believe this. She needs to believe this. She needs him.

She tentatively reaches her hand out. But just as her fingers brush against his, she remembers that this is exactly how everything began with Jan tonight. The touch of his hand, her caressing it, unable and unwilling to let it go. She had the opportunity to do so, but did not. Later, this same hand clutched Jan's naked back, drawing him to her even as her mind begged him to release her. And then he was on top of her, pushing her down, inside her--

"No!" Kylah blurts, closing her eyes and yanking her hand back. She holds it protectively to her chest, as if it's been scalded. When the memory fades she opens her glazed eyes again. "I have ruined everything. Everything. If somehow you still respect me, let it remain that way." She blindly pushes the elevator button, which thankfully opens immediately, having not been used since Rangin's arrival. After she rushes in, she turns to face him. "If you knew more about me, you would only think less. You are too good to understand. I am sorry," she repeats, this time unable to stop her tears, and quickly pushes the button to let the door close and shut Velir out. Shutting herself in.

Finally alone again, she covers her eyes and lets herself cry, fully, for the first time since everything changed in Jan Švehla's bedroom.

As she reaches for his hand Rangin's heart leaps. For one joyous moment their fingers touched. And then...then he cannot understand what happens next.

How she dives into the elevator to get away from him, how she pushes him away, the words she used.

He cannot reach for her, his hand still held open, but his arm unwilling to move even an inch, locked in the same stasis that now grips his heart.

As the doors close, his hand slowly falls to his side as the tears begin to slowly make their way down his cheeks. What had he done.

Collins wakes briefly from a strange dream involving her crewmates at a high school prom. She rolls over onto her other side, giggles inwardly at the image of them redesigned as awkward teenagers, and falls back asleep.

Moments after the elevator door closes, Rangin hears that of the Infirmary open. He turns to see a stocky man in his thirties, wearing Medical blue, stand in the doorway, yawning. The man says, "I thought I heard something. Can I help you, sir?"

Rangin chokes back the tears and rubs his forearm across his eyes. "No, no thank you. It's no longer necessary." He turns and heads for the stairs not wanting to user the elevator, leaving Kylah to herself. Hopefully by the time he reached the quarters she would have already entered hers alone.

Rangin's only wish now was to get to sleep before Graham returned.

"I am concerned about Ensign Kylah, of course," T'Var tells Graham. "Hopefully, I have given her enough time to collect herself before finding out what is going on with her."

The doctor stands. "We should both get some rest. It has been a long day."

Graham starts to reply but then thinks better of it. If my girlfriend had just hooked up with some random dude I wouldn't be so calm, he thinks. But then again I'm not a Vulcan. Or a doctor.

He nods to T'Var, makes sure the bill has been taken care of, and heads back to the research facility with the doctor.

He keeps his eyes open to make sure Rangin isn't lying unconscious alongside the path, given how shaky he looked on his way out.

The maitre'd says your drinks are on the house; he's retired from Starfleet himself.

Graham and T'Var walk uneventfully back to the research station. They do not see Rangin along the way.

It is now 2215 hours.

Kylah is in bed, red-eyed and exhausted but wide awake. She keeps her face as hidden by the pillow and covers as possible, hoping T'Var will believe her asleep.

Today has equalled the day of her parents' deaths--and the day she was forced to kill the altered Sakathians while sensing their final moments as if they were her own--as the worst in her life. Unlike the others, the events that made this day so horrible were almost entirely of her own making... which makes it all the harder to bear. She squeezes her eyes shut and hugs her pillow, doing every mental exercise she can to keep from reliving every horrible moment.

All in vain.

Graham bids T'Var goodnight, feeling both a little concerned about her but also lucky that she doesn't seem inclined to either want to have a heart-wrenching, emotional conversation or to beat the crap out of any human male who happens to be within easy reach.

He enters the room he shares with Rangin as quietly as he can, listening when he enters to make sure Rangin is there (and breathing), but otherwise assuming Rangin may be asleep--or pretending to be, which is fine by Graham.

He'll quietly do his nightly routine and hop into bed if nothing interferes with that course of action.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Rangin stared at his features. He hadn't seen anyone else and it probably wasn't too long before Graham would return.

Reasoning, objectivity, truth - words an old professor of his had used.

Closing his eyes and slowing his breathing, he calms his nerves, splashing his face with water, letting it flow down his cheeks as the tears had just a few minutes earlier.

Rangin tries to think over the day, the good and bad. The good, he knew what his role was here, he was doing what he wanted. The bad, oh the bad, compressed into such a short space of time. He had insulted someone for nothing other than good intentions and even after apologising he still felt ill for it. That action had also meant he had broken his trust in Kylah and that hurt. He had hoped she was a friend who seemed to be like him. He had held out his hand to her, but..but. Looking back into the mirror he can see the regret on his face, the red eyes. Rangin wonders what action could possibly remedy this, but is unable to think of anything. She doesn't want to be his friend, she rejected his friendship, something he tries to cherish. No, this would go down as one of his worst days. He may know lots of people, but it still hurt every time he lost a friend, especially this time through his own stupidity.

Splashing some water into his face, and looking at it again, he can see it is less worn than it had been but the eyes still puffy.

Rangin's thoughts flash back to other times, and he tries hard to categorise how bad it had been.

Not as bad as the USS Lexington, fifty of his friends had lost their lives that day at Alpha Carinae. He still had the scars of when the Federation had turned against itself. No that was wrong, it had been a mistake, a malfunction, nothing more. But it still hurt.

Sakath station was not even close to this. Physically perhaps, being eaten by reanimated corpses was never pleasant but his colleagues, friends, no colleagues had been there to help him. He rubbed his arm where he had been bitten, the scars still visible and scratching it only made them stand out more.

Please, please, I'm begging you please - his own voice echoed in his head. He had tried to forget that one. Left alone and screaming for mercy as the Orion syndicate casually broke his ribs as a favour. He had Graham to thank for reminding him of that one. Rangin crooks a smile and considers that Graham wouldn't have been aware of his actions. No, that event and everything that went with it was worse, and he didn't want think about it again. Even if it meant not teaming with Graham tomorrow. "Every cloud as they say..." Rangin coughs as he clears his throat, and words come out half choked but he calmly looks back at himself in the mirror

If you knew more about me, you would only think less. You are too good to understand. Kylah's words uttered only a few minutes ago echoed again in his head. They cut deep and he knew why.

You know what I love about you Velir Rangin, you're so virtuous.

That voice, her voice. "No", he whispered, "not you again, not now."

Rangin grips the side of the bathroom tight trying to forget, closing his eyes tight to shut those memories away, but they refuse to hide. When Kylah had confirmed his worst thoughts of what had happened, he knew, though he had been trying to convince himself otherwise, why he had asked those very questions, why it had got to him. He opens his eyes again and releases his grip.

Touching a finger to his lips before moving it against the mirror staring back at him, he remembers the response he had given before his hand falls back to his side.

Rangin looks closely at his features, and taking a deep breath he slowly splashes his face a third time with water. What looks back at him is the same open, trustworthy face that everyone likes. It had been a while since he had to hide like this but by the morning, he would seem as normal. It would be unlikely anyone would guess other than Kylah and she probably would not say anything. He would wrap himself back in his uniform and play his part, no, he would appear to do his duty, it was what he done before.

"My only desire is to help where I can. My Friends, my Coridan, my Federation." That would be his reply now. The words uttered as smoothly as they had been at any time this morning.

One final look and Rangin nods, his face showing only the few signs of strain that might be expected. Turning the light off, he heads for bed and by the time Graham returns he would be fast asleep. Ready to wake the following morning with a face not matching his emotion.

He'd had practice wearing a mask.

He was a Coridanite.

T'Var returns to her room. She is aware that Kylah is not asleep and still upset by whatever has happened to her recently.

The doctor prepares for bed. She slips under the covers.

"When you are ready, we will have a talk," T'Var speaks into the darkened room. "Unless you are ready now?"

Graham's happy to slide under the covers and eager to sleep.

She does look good in a cocktail dress...

He assumes T'Var understood he was trying to get a reaction from Jan. Rangin probably added lusting after anything that moves as another one of my faults, if he was listening at all, he thinks. He's entertained wondering how we does appear to the Coridanite: Ungh, Graham fight, Graham screw, scratch ass in public with stick...

Not that I covered myself with glory today, Graham reminds himself.

Does Elizabeth wear dresses like that?

Does Bennett?

Would I even want Bennett to wear a dress like that?

As he gets more sleepy:

I wonder what Bennett does wear to bed? Regulation undergarments, silk nightie, bunny-print PJs with feet?

Well Booker, a butt-scratching knuckle dragger like you is pretty damn unlikely to find out, he thinks. Although as he drifts off he wishes she there, for no other reason than being able to hear her voice describe growing up and wanting to go to the stars again.

Kylah squeezes her eyes more tightly, wincing at the doctor's words. She should have known better than to try to bluff T'Var. Her fists curl around the blanket to pull it closer to her chest. "There is nothing to talk about, Doctor," she murmurs in a monotone. "But if you insist, I would rather wait until tomorrow, please."

She holds her breath, waiting for a reply, but her mind is rapidly calculating. If Jan really said nothing, as Rangin promised, then T'Var cannot possibly know for certain what happened between them. Which means Kylah has several hours to concoct a story that will appease her. Above all, Kylah knows she must admit nothing about letting her empathic skills taking control of her by picking up on Jan's spore-enhanced state, not to mention his desire.

Fortunately there will be plenty of time tonight to think of such an excuse, because Kylah knows she will not sleep a wink.

Hours pass, and although Kylah dozes a little, off and on, she never drifts into a restful sleep.

Graham, however, is sleeping very soundly when his communicator beeps. He comes awake, flails clumsily, picks up his communicator from the bedside table and flips it open. He hears, "Mr. Graham? This is Lionel Hsu." The Security officer's mind is still struggling back to consciousness, and he doesn't say anything right away. He yawns widely and turns on the bedside light. Hsu goes on, "Chief of Security at the resort? We met earlier? Sorry to wake you."

"Yeah, sure, of course," Graham says, squinting at the chrono on his bedside table. It shows 0413. Rangin turns over in his bed and looks at Graham, who clears his throat. He rubs his eyes. "It's all right. Sorry. Uh... what can I do for you, Mr. Hsu?"

"We have a problem, a big problem. There's been a... crime. Could you and your shipmates come back to the resort? Now?"

Graham's mind races. "Uh, sure. Of course. Give us a few minutes."

"Thanks. The sooner, the better. I'll meet you in the lobby. Hsu out."

"Sorry buddy, rise and shine," Graham says to Rangin, shaking off the cobwebs and looking for his boots while he hails Collins. "Graham to Collins." As soon as she picks up he continues, speaking loudly enough to make sure Rangin can hear clearly. "Sorry to disturb you, L-T, but I'm just off the comm with the resort's Chief of Security. No details other than a "crime" has happened--but I'm pretty sure it's something big. He's waiting for us in the lobby."

Graham starts to feel the adrenaline: a crime. Now maybe I'll be of some use. Then he frowns. A crime against who, though? All things considered he has his preferences for who and who not, but he puts that out of his mind while he hurries to get ready.

"Right," says Collins groggily, "I'll be down in less than five." Collins dashes into the bathroom, splashes some very cold water at her face, dresses, and hurries downstairs to meet the others. On her way to the elevator, she pulls out her communicator and wakes Delaney, then T'Var and Kylah, and tells them to meet up ASAP.

The beep of the communicator shocks Kylah after spending so much of the night in silence. When she hears the order, she drags her exhausted body from bed and tries to rouse herself with splashes of ice cold water on her face and neck. There is nothing that can be done for her bloodshot eyes, which have such dark purple circles beneath them that she looks as if she's been beaten. Soon she is dressed. When T'Var is done, Kylah will accompany the doctor down to meet the others.

The six of you meet in the lobby of the research station, in uniform and equipped as when you first beamed down, less than 24 hours ago. Delaney rubs sleep from his eyes and asks, "What's up?"

"We've been summoned by the resort's security chief." Collins says as she heads for the door to return to the resort. "He's asked for all of us." She holds the door for the others, then will follow them down the path.

The night is colder than it was earlier, chillier still due to Kylah's extreme tiredness, and she hugs herself tightly while they walk. She envies Collins her uniform; Kylah's short dress was chosen due to its similarity to Elasian styles, but right now Kylah would be very grateful for the warmth of having her legs covered.

She's finding it difficult to know where to look: she fears giving anything away to T'Var, and she cannot bear to look Velir in the face. So she keeps her gaze locked on the path, barely visible in the dark but at least it's something safe. Fortunately her mind is easily distracted by wondering what the possible reason for the summons by security could be. The fact that they--the ship's landing party--would be required makes her worried for the Admiral.

An early morning starts after last night was the last thing Rangin wanted, but being woken by Graham's communicator and the message that came through is enough to get him going.

Waiting outside with the others, neatly dressed and equipped as before, and glad that he had had just a little more time than some of them and that those few extra seconds had been put to good use. It had not taken long to get to the mess hall and down to the entrance.

Blowing the steam off his coffee and savouring the taste in the cold air, it warms his hands and the drink gets his mind going again.

"Sir, this doesn't make much sense", he addresses to Collins in his usual calm measured voice as if nothing last night had occurred. "Why we would all be asked to come to a crime scene when only two, perhaps three of you, would be useful there." Rangin looks into the distance at the lights of the resort, wondering what awaits.

Collins says, "Your guess is as good as mine, Mr. Rangin," as she leads the landing party back over the now-familiar small hill from the research station to the resort. It is still dark, and a little chilly. Graham notices a fine layer of dew over the grass.

Both Hsus are waiting, grim-faced, in the lobby, which is deserted other than the clerk behind the front desk. Mrs. Hsu says evenly, "Mr. Wilson has been murdered. Since the planet is under Starfleet jurisdiction, I think you should take the lead in investigating his death, although of course any help WR&R can offer is yours."

Mr. Hsu says, "If you'd follow me, please," and leads the Yorktown six out of the lobby and towards what Kylah recalls is the area of the resort that includes guest houses.

Finally thinks Collins Something I can sink my teeth into. As they walk towards the crime scene, Collins studies the ground and surroundings for clues.

T'Var's expression is grim as she listens to Mrs. Tsu. For the moment, T'Var's concern about Kylah -- and Collins -- is pushed to the back of her mind.

The doctor's instincts as a former member of the V'Shar kick in and she becomes focused on the task at hand.

Shocked out of her numb introspection by the news, Kylah waits for the senior officer to offer some condolences and ask questions, but when Collins remains silent, she speaks up. "We are so sorry for your loss, Mr. Hsu," she says, moving faster to match the others' strides. "The staff must be greatly troubled, if they know about it yet. I am sure the crime scene will give us details, but in the meantime can you tell us what happened, how he was found at this time of night?"

Man, we finally catch a break, Graham thinks, truly relieved, as he hears that the victim is Wilson. Thank god it isn't the Admiral.

He realizes that's a grim thought--but we're in a grim business, he muses.

He starts to tick off things on a mental checklist: two of them are a clear chain of command and a systematic line of questioning, so Kylah's attempt to make small talk is both endearing for its earnestness and annoying.

Given the state of team dynamics at this point he bites his tongue, although he does shoot a glance at Collins to see her reaction, wondering if she's in her "distracted mode" again or back on point. OK Booker, after all, 'who found him and how' is an appropriate enough line of inquiry on our way to the scene, he thinks. "And by whom," he says, piggy-backing in an even tone on Kylah's question.

Rangin listens to the news and is surprised that there would be a murder here, though it certainly explains the request for the team to attend. But it didn't really explain why he would be here. Collins, Graham trained in Security would know what to do. T'var could provide medical knowledge, Delaney technical knowledge if it was required and Kylah... Ens. Kylah, he forces himself to think would be asking questions and had begun to do so.

Rangin drops back slightly behind the others, ready to assist any of them should they require it, but his skills lie elsewhere and knowing his luck over the last few hours, he would probably be the prime suspect. No, he didn't need paranoia to add to everything else, he thinks as he downs the last of his coffee before following the group, waiting.

Then again, he thinks as he watches the rest of the group, given that there was a Lieutenant at the research station that the resort is dealing with on regular basis and a Captain in a starship up above...why had they contacted this particular team led by Lt. JG Collins?

"Thank you," Mr. Hsu says to Kylah. "So far, very few people know about it. We haven't made an announcement yet, and I'd prefer not to, but I suppose word might get out no matter what we do." He answers Graham, "One of my officers, Gary Adelman, was on routine patrol and found the body at 0350, in a small park surrounded by guest houses. He was stabbed at least twice. No one else was around. I left Gary - Officer Adelman - there to make sure no one else disturbed the crime scene."

A solemn Dr. Halsey appears from a side corridor, a civilian medikit and scanner in hand. He nods to you, joins the group and matches your stride.

"Shouldn't we report this to the ship?" Delaney asks.

Hsu says, "I already did, and spoke to Capt. Singh. She asked us to call you, and said you should let her or Cmdr. Vargas know if you need any additional personnel or resources."

Mrs. Hsu says, "Obviously, we'd prefer to keep the situation as low-profile as possible. We want to assure the safety of our guests, of course, but we also don't want to upset anyone unnecessarily."

"Well we may have a common interest in that, at least for the moment," Graham says to Mrs. Hsu . He turns to Collins. "L-T, if you don't disagree I think it would be ideal to interview any persons of interest prior to any announcement, when as little information as possible is available to anyone. Eh, anyone who didn't do it." He then turns back to Mrs. Hsu. "I, ah, assume you're in charge now? Sorry but you must know that it'll get pretty damn hard to stop word from spreading once we start an investigation."

He raises a hand. "Speaking of which," he says to Lionel Hsu. "That surveillance system is slick." He can't help but flick his eyes toward Rangin. "One, since it sounds like we're talking about a public place, how did threat sensors not trigger? Even if he was killed elsewhere and dumped there, you'd think dragging a body would flip a switch somewhere. Two, given the attempted hack on the resort's systems, could you give the Yorktown access to the logs and also dump all surveillance records from the last twelve hours to physical media, ASAP. And three if you'd be so kind to assign two officers, not one, to that task so nobody gets time alone with it until we get a handle on things, I'd appreciate it." He shrugs. "I don't know if your officers get overtime or not but, well, back when I was assigned to police duty on Earth there was kind of a sad but true philosophy that if people were going to kill each other anyway, the least they could do was do it before Christmas. We'll probably need all hands on deck for awhile."

Just like being back on the job, Graham thinks, forgetting a lot of things that happened in the last ten years for just a moment. Damn, I need some tunes, though.

Once Graham's stream of instructions has ended, Kylah turns to Mrs. Hsu. "Do you happen to know when Mr. Wilson was last seen, and what his activities were? Or, if you do not know specifics, what his usual nighttime schedule was?"

Mrs. Hsu is grim. She says, "Yes, I'm in charge unless and until WR&R names a replacement, which could be quite awhile yet. I don't know yet when Tony... Mr. Wilson was last seen. That's something we'll have to find out. He often worked late and wouldn't leave his office until midnight or close to it. His living quarters were in the staff compound, which is just a few minutes' walk from the guest houses."

Mr. Hsu stops and looks at Lt. JG Collins. "Would you like me to proceed as Mr. Graham has outlined?" he asks.

Kylah is getting an odd empathic impression from Dr. Halsey. He seems... excited, almost happy.

A frown lowers Kylah's brows slightly, then she hides the reaction. She thanks Mrs. Hsu and slowly moves closer to Halsey. "Doctor," she says sympathetically, "this must be very difficult for you--most of your work must revolve around people who are happy but have injured themselves through leisure activities, or who have some sort of reaction to the spores. And now to be faced with a violent death of a colleague..." Kylah looks up intently at his face. "Have you ever attended such an event before?"

Graham grits is teeth as Kylah interjects her question. Wilson's 'usual schedule' is never going to change ever again, he thinks. We can dig into that later. Right now we need to lock down on things that can be changed--or erased--in real time.

He notices she's turned her focus to Halsey: OK, maybe she's looking for another date, and that will keep her occupied, he thinks, then slightly shakes his head. Don't be a schmuck, Booker--once they get to the scene, re-tracing Wilson's likely path or paths backwards from there would be entirely reasonable. She hasn't had a team command yet--she doesn't have any experience directing the circus., Graham reminds himself. In fact, she was all worked up earlier about proving her value, period.

And you're walking all over chain of command, he's reminded by Mr. Hsu's comment. He clears his throat. "Ah, yeah, lieutenant, pardon me. Old habits," he says apologetically. "Those are my ideas--but assignments are your prerogative, of course, ma'am."

Dr. Halsey had been distracted as he walked and he now seems surprised by Kylah's presence, and her question. "Uh, no. No. Never been involved in a, uh, a homicide before," he says. She gets the impression that he's working hard to suppress his earlier good mood. He coughs, and his expression grows more solemn. "It's a terrible thing, just terrible."

"He was stabbed at least twice." Let's see, thinks Collins, who do we know who had a knife? Fastolfe shoots to the top of her suspect list.

"Yes, of course" she tells Hsu, "Ensign Graham's suggestions are a good place to start, and I agree about keeping it quiet until we know more"

Rangin finds himself drifting further towards the back of the group heading across. Other than Delaney, everyone else seems occupied, although Delaney had the same thought he had had.

Rangin watches as Graham says what to do and given the rank he used to hold, it makes sense. Certainly he was far more likely to work out what to do than Collins. She could do well to watch how he worked. Rangin decides that he should do likewise, perhaps it would explain how he got the Orion Syndicate attitude to other people.

But still, Rangin wonders why someone would kill the mild mannered manager of a pleasure resort?

T'Var says nothing for the moment -- Collins is mission leader, after all -- and Graham is Security. The doctor will focus on the medical aspects of this murder. She is most interested in the murder weapon. Is it Fastolfe's knife? And if so, did he use it to kill Wilson?

The main question is, of course, who would want to kill Wilson? What motive could someone have to murder him? For now, T'Var is confident that Collins and Graham will ask these questions.